England's footballers have turned to the PFA to negotiate new commercial rights deals... after Gareth Southgate sacked Terry Byrne following revelations that the agent owed him a six-figure sum

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) are helping England’s squad with commercial rights after the group split from Gareth Southgate’s former agent.

Terry Byrne, who Southgate sacked following Mail Sport’s revelations that the national team manager was owed a six-figure sum following a disastrous property deal, had looked after the Three Lions since 2006.

Now, Mail Sport can now reveal that with Byrne – a former England masseur who worked for David Beckham – embroiled in significant financial issues the squad have instead turned to the PFA to handle their collective bonuses.

Last week, senior officials from the union jetted to Germany to hold talks with the families of players. 

The agreement means the PFA will work closely on agreeing deals for time the likes of Harry Kane and co spend with official FA sponsors.

The union’s legal team will assist the squad in negotiating a contract with the FA, which is renewed for each major tournament cycle. 

It is being viewed as a significant show of faith in the PFA, which may well assist other teams should the need arise.

In November, Mail Sport revealed that Byrne owed Southgate a six-figure sum following the purchase of a £25m building in central London. 

Money owed to other former England players Joe Cole and Glenn Hoddle was also invested without their permission.

Byrne said he was adamant that the cash would be repaid. However, in February this paper reported that Southgate had cut ties with Byrne in a dramatic end to an eight-year working relationship which began when Southgate was managing England under 21s.

Byrne has looked after the national team’s commercial rights via 1966 Entertainment from 2006 until December. 

According to Companies House is agency 10Ten Talent appointed a liquidator in April.