Mark Sampson says Eni Aluko allegations have affected England squad
Tuesday 12 September 2017 16:16, UK
England manager Mark Sampson has admitted that allegations of racism and bullying made by Eni Aluko have affected the players in his squad.
Sampson has also denied a separate allegation from Katie Chapman that she was dropped from his plans her after she told him she was getting a divorce.
He has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the Aluko case by both an internal Football Association review and an independent investigation.
There have been reports that government ministers want to speak to FA officials about the inquiries and Sampson says he would be prepared to take part.
Sampson told Sky Sports News: "It's been a difficult and upsetting time for everybody involved - myself personally, my family, Eni I'm sure and more recently the players and the staff.
"This has not been a nice situation for anyone but allegations were made, they needed to be reacted to, respected and investigated thoroughly to make sure there were some clear conclusions.
"Any time I have been asked questions I have been always answered truthfully and honestly and that will continue to be the case.
"I now want to look forward to moving forward with this team, to getting back to working hard with the players and continue the success we've achieved over the last three-and-a-half years.
"We need to get a good result on Tuesday, be professional and go about our business in the correct manner against a very good team in Russia. It is a very important game and we need to find a way to win."
Sampson again reiterated that success for the team was his only criteria for selection, refuting Chapman's claim that she had been sidelined because of family issues.
He said: "We are very clear with our selection policy, which is to pick the best players to make sure we win. I need to get selection right otherwise that will impact on our performance and our results. We have moved from outside the top 10 to 3rd in the world.
"We stand by our selection process which is to pick the best team to help us win football matches and keep improving."
