England players to receive huge payments if they beat Spain as Women's World Cup final prize money revealed
England's players are poised to receive substantial payments if they emerge victorious against Spain in the Women's World Cup final, as the prize money details have been unveiled.
The Lionesses etched their names in history on Wednesday, securing their inaugural Women's World Cup final berth by prevailing over host nation Australia 3-1 in Sydney.
Ella Toone initiated the scoring for England with a splendid curling shot during the first half. However, the Matildas managed to level the score through their iconic captain Sam Kerr, who expertly executed a strike from around 25 yards.
Sarina Wiegman's team reclaimed the lead a mere eight minutes later, courtesy of Lauren Hemp's goal, and Alessia Russo subsequently cemented England's position in the Sunday showdown against Spain.
Remarkably, the Lionesses, champions of last year's European Championship, are the first senior England team, since the men's triumph in 1966, to advance to a World Cup final.
In the event that they secure victory in the tournament, England's squad stands to receive substantial bonuses. TalkSPORT reports that FIFA is prepared to award each member of the Lionesses £213,000 in case of a triumphant outcome in Sunday's final.
Even if England had exited during the group stage, players were guaranteed £24,000. This sum increased to £47,000 following Wiegman's team progression to the last-16, and further to £70,000 upon reaching the quarter-finals.
Having earned their place in the semi-finals, England's players have already secured £128,000. Nonetheless, emerging as World Cup champions will result in an additional £85,000 for each player.
Following her team's qualification for the final, England manager Sarina Wiegman struggled to express her emotions, sharing with BBC Sport: "We've reached the final! It's truly unbelievable, it feels as if we've won [the entire tournament], but we haven't. We've triumphed in this match - within an incredible stadium, during an away game. The way we played was exceptional. Although it was a challenging match, we discovered a path to victory once again.
"Australia has had an extraordinary tournament, gradually finding their stride. Overcoming setbacks, they needed to win their concluding group-stage match, and from there, they improved consistently.
"I was just discussing with [assistant manager] Arjan that having the opportunity as a coach or player to partake in two finals is genuinely momentous. I never take anything for granted, but it feels as if I'm living in a fairy tale."