Barcelona striker Toni Duggan has told ESPN FC that the England women's team must focus on the future rather than dwelling on what has been a "tough" few weeks following the dismissal of manager Mark Sampson.
Sampson was relieved of his duties by the Football Association after an investigation into an incident at Bristol Academy -- who he managed prior to his move to the national team in 2013 -- which centred around "safeguarding allegations."
FA chief executive Martin Glenn said Sampson had "overstepped the professional boundaries between player and coach."
Mo Marley has since been placed in temporary charge of the England women's team after working with the under-19s and Duggan, who swapped Manchester City for Barca in the summer, is keen to move on from everything that has happened off the pitch.
"I was coming over from the airport actually when I heard about Mark [being fired]," Duggan told ESPN FC. "Obviously what's gone on in England has been difficult times, it's been really tough.
"It's obviously sad what's happened but now we have to focus. We have more World Cup qualifiers, Mo Marley is now in charge, she's done an incredible job with the youth teams and I worked with her at Everton, so I am looking forward to getting back and working with Mo.
"But obviously it's sad and it's difficult times for what's happened in the English game."
Prior to being sacked, Sampson was already under pressure due to allegations of bullying, discrimination and racism made by Chelsea forward Eni Aluko.
The FA stood by Sampson in that case following the findings of an investigation by independent barrister Katharine Newton, and Duggan maintains that what went on did not cause a split among the players.
"For me, I think it's a tight group," she added. "We've worked really hard on the culture of the team and the atmosphere that we have created in camp.
"I can only speak from experience and my experience has been that it's been a really good atmosphere and really good group. Hopefully we can continue to work on this, come through [it] and keep everyone together."
England began their World Cup qualification campaign with a 6-0 win over Russia last month while Sampson was still in charge and their next game is a friendly against France on Oct. 20.
Duggan, meanwhile, was on target for Barcelona as they began their Champions League campaign with a 4-0 win against Norwegian side Avaldsnes on Wednesday.
The Liverpool-born striker has now scored three goals in her first five appearances for the Catalan side but says there is still more to come as she settles into her new surroundings.
"When you weigh up the language and the weather and new players and many other things, it can become very difficult on the pitch," she said of her start to life as a Barca player.
"But the first few weeks have gone OK so far. The team, the girls, the staff, everyone's been brilliant. I think for me on the pitch, I know I can get more from myself, but that will come."