- Seven England internationals were voted into the FIFA FIFPRO Women’s World 11 by women’s football players from across the globe
- It set a record for the highest representation by one country in a men's or women's World 11
- FIFPRO caught up with members of Sarina Wiegman's side to get their reaction after being named in the team of the year
The Lionesses stamped their mark on the FIFA FIFPRO Women's World 11 with seven England internationals being voted into the team of the year at The Best FIFA Football Awards in London on Monday 15 January.
Over 6,000 women's football players voted, with English internationals Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Alex Greenwood, Kiera Walsh, Ella Toone, Alessia Russo and Lauren James all securing their places. It set a record for the highest representation by one country in a men's or women's World 11.
FIFPRO caught up with members of Sarina Wiegman's side to hear what it meant for them to be selected in the team of the year by their fellow professionals.
Mary Earps
"It’s a real privilege to be voted into the World 11 by your peers. I know from playing with my team-mates how difficult it is to impress them, so for them to vote for me is special. It means a great deal to feel like you have their respect or that they respect your contributions to the game and to the industry; they value your performances in terms of contributing to team results, so it means a great deal."
Lucy Bronze
"Every year I always say it's the award that's so special because it's from the players, and not only the players that have voted for it, but the people you also come up against or even play with throughout the year. To be in in the World 11 six times is something that's special to me. A player that I admire is Wendie Renard. She's done it the most out of anyone (seven times) so to be at that level that many times, that many years in a row, feels incredible."
Alex Greenwood
"To be voted for by your peers is probably the highest honour you can get. We all go through the same thing every day. We train every day, we compete at the same level every day. For them to recognise you as one of the best is something you don't take lightly. It’s a proud moment for me, to think that players thought that of me. It’s an incredible feeling."
Keira Walsh
"It's a special feeling. To know that you've been nominated by fellow players makes it even more special. I’m grateful to be in the team again this year. Being recognised by your peers is important – they know how hard you work and what it takes. I’m appreciative of everyone who voted for me, and I’m really happy to be here."
Ella Toone
"Just to be nominated is huge, so to win is a proud moment for me. With it being voted for by players that you play against, I’m over the moon. It's the best award you can win. Players that you play against on an international level, players that watch you on an international level, it’s unbelievable. For me, it’s the best recognition you can get."
Alessia Russo
"It's something that means so much, being voted for by other players. As any player would say, those are the opinions that mean the most. They are the people that you work with every day and you want to please, and they want to please you, so it’s really special coming from them. You win trophies with your peers and you're on crazy journeys with them all, so to gain their recognition and their respect on the way is really special."
Lauren James
"It's a great feeling. I feel humbled and privileged to be voted by all the other athletes that play against me. It feels surreal."
