Football
ESPN staff and PA Sport 6y

Eni Aluko still in contention for England Women - Mo Marley

England Women caretaker boss Mo Marley has said she would have no reservations over recalling Eni Aluko.

The sacking of former Lionesses manager Mark Sampson, and the Football Association's handling of allegations made against him by Aluko, returned to the spotlight on Wednesday.

A Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee hearing involved Aluko, FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn, and saw politicians attempt to unravel the chaotic final months of Sampson's reign.

Aluko was not included in Marley's squad for Friday's friendly against France in Valenciennes but the interim coach insists she has an open-door policy, and that means a recall for 102-cap striker will be considered.

"I've only been in post two weeks and we've had pretty much all the talent reporters out exploring all the players in the league," Marley said.

"I want to give everybody that opportunity -- that if you're playing well and playing regularly for your club, and you're getting good talent reports, then I'm in a position where I can actually explore that and look at that."

Asked if Aluko could return should her Chelsea form merit a recall, Marley replied: "Yes, 100 percent. That's the way I work."

How recalling the striker would sit with England's players is not clear, given her criticism of the team mobbing Sampson during last month's 6-0 World Cup qualifying win against Russia.

Aluko wrote on Twitter at the time: "For the most together team in the world tonight's 'message' only shows a level of disrespect that represents division and selfish action."

Marley said drawing a line under the near four-year reign of Sampson has been stressful for many of the players.

"It's been really difficult for everybody," she said. "When you work with people, and people are part of the team for such a long time, you build up personal relationships.

"It's quite easy for me to come in and explain that with changed management there are so many different emotions, and it's for me to help manage that, understand where people are at -- but also help them focus on the new beginnings which is Friday.

"I've made it clear we understand the situation for everybody and now it's about how can we work together to get through this and put in a great performance, but at the same time still have a brilliant camp and enjoy doing what we do best."

The 50-year-old has stepped up from bossing the England under-19s to take the interim senior position, and has home World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kazakhstan to come in November.

Her application for the permanent role has gone in.

"Now I'm in the blessed position where I get a trial run to see how it works," Marley said. "I've got big responsibilities with three important games to win, and then maybe I'll be better prepared to help myself make that decision or continue to have discussions further down the line."

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