Lionesses set for a staggering payday after Euros triumph

England's Women's team is rightfully feeling the nation's adulation following their dramatic European Championship victory on Sunday night. But their success in retaining the trophy they won three years ago could be set to land many of the team's star players with a bumper payday as brands rush to capitalise on their skyrocketing popularity.

It seems strange to believe that prior to their first success in 2022, England's women were paid as little as £20,000 before the tournament, although in the wake of their victory, young stars such as Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly went on to earn lucrative brand endorsement deals. But following their most recent success, their stock has never been higher, opening up a world of commercial opportunity. James Marshall, who manages deals for the midfielder Ella Toone, told The Times: "The right campaign is not just telling them to kick a football with a few grassroots or Sunday league players, it's gone beyond that now.

"All those players should be getting fantastic brand partnerships."

Prior to the tournament, captain Leah Williamson launched a modelling campaign with Calvin Klein, in addition to a wealth of other deals with brands such as Gucci, Aston Martin, and Mastercard.

Star striker Alessia Russo, who played an important role in the Lionesses' first success and scored the equaliser in Sunday's final, is another who has been savvy enough to capitalise on the burgeoning popularity of the women's game.

She is believed to supplement her £500,000 Arsenal salary with £1.5 million of earnings thanks to deals with Adidas, Beats by Dre, and PlayStation, according to Forbes.

Sunday's success could open the door to those who have forced their way into the public's consciousness with their match-winning performances throughout the tournament. Penalty shootout heroine Hannah Hampton and super-sub Michelle Agyemang are among those set to benefit.

The success could also boost the commercial horizon of players playing in the Women's Super League (WSL) regardless of whether they were in the squad.

Marshall added: "Over 50% of the league don't get brand partnerships. That needs to change, and hopefully me and Ella can help with that."

Ella Toone, one of the squad's key players and biggest personalities, is another who has capitalised significantly on her success and popularity with a string of brand deals, podcasts, and business ventures.

She is now set to help others in the squad maximise their own earnings as brands clamour to partner with them.

Marshall continued: "We want to take it to the next level and also help other players with their brands.

"You've got to build your character across social media, then the brands will come. We want to portray the personality of the players."