Women’s Super League

BETH Mead says comments attributed to her on the subject of diversity in the Lionesses team are not a “true reflection” of her beliefs.The England forward was responding to criticism after being quoted as saying the lack of diversity in the squad “was a coincidence”.
Beth Mead responded to criticism of comments made on the topic of diversity within the Lionesses squadCredit: AP
Mead’s remarks appeared in a Guardian article published before England’s 4-0 trouncing of Japan, their fourth defeat of a World Cup-winning side this year.
Among the Lioness aces who made appearances in the game were three players of mixed-raced heritage: Ebony Salmon, Lauren James and Nikita Parris.
Following the win, Mead, who started for Sarina Wiegman’s side, told Sky Sports: “For me, it was a tough one to take, it was unfair how it was written.
“My values and beliefs are completely different to what was written, and it is not a true reflection of me as a person.
“In terms of diversity in the game, I want to be there front and centre and helping with that.
“I know the FA are doing a lot for that. I said that in the interview, but that didn’t get put through.
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“Unfortunately, it made me look worse in that context, but these things happen in the media these days.
“That’s not a true reflection of me and I hope people understand that and sometimes don’t believe everything you read.”
Mead’s response came hours after Arsenal and Three Lions hero Ian Wright described her comments as ‘disappointing’ and a moment of learning.
Wright, who is an ambassador for the women’s game and admirer of Mead’s talent, insists the lack of diversity is a systemic challenge.
Low numbers of homegrown black, minority ethnic and Asian players at the highest levels of the sport has been an issue in recent years.
In 2020 it was reported that just 10 to 15 per cent of footballers in the Women’s Super League were of black, Asian or minority ethnic heritage.
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Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman is eager to see more black players in her England sides.
And she insists the FA are taking action with the association having established 60 Emerging Talent Centres across the country with the aim of finding a diverse mix of young players.
It is hoped the centres, for girls aged eight to 16, will help increase female player numbers in this age range from 1,722 to more than 4,200 by 2024.
The two-time European Championship-winning head coach said:  “I would love to see more black players in the team.
“With the senior squad I pick the best players, who are the best to perform, but I do think we need to do more and we are doing more.
Sarina Wiegman says she is keen to see more black players in the Lionesses teamCredit: Getty
“The FA is doing more to give access to anyone who wants to play football.
“We know the team has shared a letter for girls in football (demanding) that every girl has access to football.
“That also counts for every boy, whatever skin colour they have, to have access to football, in England. We really have to work on that.” More

JESS PARK says it was a dream come true to bag her first senior England goal within seconds of her debut for Sarina Wiegman’s side.The forward’s late finish and Rachel Daly’s clinical opener were among the strikes that saw the Euros champs hammer Japan 4-0
Jess Park scored within two minutes of making her first senior appearance for EnglandCredit: Getty
Ebony Salmon impressed providing two assists during the Lionesses’ 4-0 defeat of JapanCredit: Getty
The 21-year-old scored just 79 seconds after coming on as a second-half substitute with Ebony Salmon impressing by winning possession moments before.
The result saw the Euros winners reach a milestone of 125 goals in 25 games under their boss with a duel with Norway up next.
And they laid down a marker for their World Cup rivals eight months before the start of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Asked to describe how it felt to score seconds after coming on as a substitute, Park said: “I don’t think I can. I’m a bit overwhelmed at the moment.
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“I’ve dreamed of this since I was a little girl and now it’s a dream come true.
“I’m so happy. Sarina said ‘go on, have fun, enjoy it, do your roles’ and Ebony did all the work for me, I just had to slot it in.
“I don’t think there are any words to describe [being part of this Lionesses team].”
England boss Wiegman added: “She had two minutes so you can’t really say how she played. 
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“We saw two things actually. There was a long ball and you saw the strength of Ebony Salmon, her pace and orientation.
“She was behind, and she just wins the ball and Jess Park thought I’ve got to be there and she got the ball in the back of the net.”
The game saw Rachel Daly who plays as a striker for Aston Villa and a full-back for her country net her 10th goal in a Lionesses jersey.
On if she would be tempted to play Daly in front of goal, Wiegman said: “She’s so versatile, she played a really good game from full-back too and she scored from that position.
“She’s an option to try out up front too but we also have to look at which players we have available and what’s best for the team.”
Before kick-off, Wiegman spoke of the disciplined, technical, and tactical skills of Japan who had won seven of their past eight international fixtures.
Her Euros winners tested their opponents early on with Ella Toone forcing a top-corner save from goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita with a fierce first-minute strike.
Futoshi Ikeda’s side began to exert some pressure going forward after England dominated possession early in the first spell.
And Manchester City ace Yui Hasegawa tested Mary Earps from distance forcing a comfortable 19th-minute save from the England shot-stopper.
But the deadlock was broken in the 38th minute with Daly making the most of a Chloe Kelly cross and Mead’s pass to fire the Lionesses 1-0 up.
Kelly doubled the lead early in the second half – arriving in the box to smash home a cross from Mead and bagging her first goal since her Euros tournament winner in July in the process.
Hasegawa sent a dangerous free kick into the box late on with Millie Bright clearing for her team-mates with 15 minutes of normal time remaining.
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England made it 3-0 a minute later with substitute Salmon teeing up Toone to fire home off the post.
And Hasegawa forced a couple of late saves from Earps before Salmon set up Park to wrap up the win shortly before the final whistle.
Sarina Wiegman says Rachel Daly could be an option in attack after her goal against JapanCredit: Getty
Chloe Kelly got on the scoresheet with her first England goal since the Euros 2022 finalCredit: Getty More

SARINA WIEGMAN says more needs to be done to tackle the lack of diversity in women’s football.And the Lionesses boss is eager to see more black players in her England team.
Sarina Wiegman wants to see more black players at the highest levels of the women’s gameCredit: Reuters
Jess Carter was one of three black and mixed-heritage players included in Wiegman’s England squad at this year’s EurosCredit: Reuters
The head coach was speaking before her Euros-winning side’s upcoming friendly games against Japan and Norway.
Wiegman, 53, told Sky Sports: “I would love to see more black players in the team.
“For me, with the senior squad, the process is done already, so I pick the best players and whoever that is, I’ll pick the best players to perform.
“But I do think we need to do more, and the FA is doing more, to give access to everyone that wants to play football.
“The team shared the letter calling for every girl to have access to football.
“That also counts for every boy, every girl, whatever skin colour you have, needs to have access to football, in England, in Europe, in the world.
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“We really have to work on that and the FA is working on that.”
In the summer Wiegman’s 23-strong Euros had three players of black and mixed-race heritage in Nikita Parris, Jess Carter and Demi Stokes.
In contrast, the starting 11 that competed in the 2009 tournament final, led by former England boss Hope Powell, included: Anita Asante, Eniola Aluko and Alex Scott.
And Powell, 55, had Lianne Sanderson and Jessica Clarke as substitutes.
Low numbers of homegrown black, Asian and minority ethnic footballers in the women’s top flight is an ongoing concern.
Regional training centres being located far away from diverse areas with young female players has been identified as an issue.
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This year the FA said it aims to address the challenge of boosting inclusivity and providing “better accessibility”.
In July the association established 60 Girls Emerging Talent Centres for eight to 16-year-olds
They aim to see the numbers of young female players on FA programmes rise from 1,722 to 4,200 by 2024.
Wiegman has backed her players, who are demanding more football training for girls in schools, to press for change.
The England chief added: “We have so many powerful players and personalities in our team, and they’re using their voice to address these things.
“These little girls and boys see them playing football and think, ‘I can achieve that too’. That’s really nice to be part of.”
Wiegman will be without the services of Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze for her team’s game against Japan.
England will play Japan and Norway in their final two fixtures this yearCredit: Getty
It is hoped Greenwood will be available for the team’s game against Norway on Tuesday.
And Lucy Bronze will also be absent from tomorrow night’s game against Japan after testing positive for Covid-19.
However, the Barcelona full-back remains in camp and could be back in the squad when she returns a negative Covid test result. More

LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY says she will be supporting the Three Lions’ push to win the World Cup, but will not watch this year’s tournament in Qatar.And the Lionesses centre-back believes sport can be a “strong vehicle” for change on social issues.
Lotte Wubben-Moy will not this year’s World Cup despite supporting England’s quest to win the tournamentCredit: Getty
The England ace’s comments come days after her Arsenal and international team-mate Beth Mead questioned the decision to host the contest in the country due to its anti-homosexuality laws.
The duo are part of the Lionesses squad due to play Japan and Norway this month in the team’s last two international games this year.
When asked for her thoughts on the tournament being held in the Gulf state, Wubben-Moy, 23, said: “It’s tough.
“As an England team, we all have strong values and a lot of those values aren’t reflected, in the way that we see it, in Qatar.
“It’s a tough conversation to have and there’s a lot of dialogue around it.
“I will be supporting the men’s team, but I won’t be watching.
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“It’s hard to talk about but at the end of the day, we’re one team here with England.
“We know that they have an opportunity to play at a World Cup and it’s hard to look beyond that really.”
Last week Fifa wrote a letter to the 32 nations competing in the World Cup urging them to “focus on football.
In it, the football governing body called for the sport not to be drawn “into ideological battles”.
Their letter follows campaigners’ criticisms of the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar and concerns regarding the country’s stance on same-sex relationships.
On the question of whether sport can be a platform for change, Wubben-Moy added: “Sport is a very strong vehicle for change.
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“To underestimate that would be naive.
“I’ve seen a lot of the players have strong viewpoints and I salute them.
“I wish them the best in looking to express that throughout this World Cup.
“A lot of the players might not ever play in a World Cup again, so I can’t comment on them choosing to go because many people would take that same choice.
“But (if) they can use this opportunity to help bring about change, I think that’s important.”
Harry Kane will wear a OneLove captain’s armband against discrimination at the World CupCredit: EPA
Wubben-Moy, who actively champions a variety of equality issues, helped spearhead the Lionesses’ letter calling for equal access to football in PE lessons for girls.
As part of her work with Arsenal in the Community, the defender is collaborating with the club on developing a project which uses football to help girls and young women in areas in London.
The programme aims to use the sport ‘to build their self-confidence and communication skills’. More

IT was in September 2020 that a “heartbroken” Katie Robinson revealed her season had been curtailed by a knee ligament injury.Fast forward to this November and the soaring Seagulls forward has seen her impressive form for Brighton rewarded with her first senior England call-up.
Katie Robinson will join England’s camp this week ahead of the Lionesses’ friendly games against Japan and NorwayCredit: Getty
Robinson’s club, who play West Ham today may not have had the best results in the league by their standards in recent weeks.  
Four defeats in five games – including a hefty 8-0 loss to Tottenham – has seen one of the top tier’s most dogged sides drop to second from bottom.
A start described as challenging by former Albion boss Hope Powell, 56, who stood down from her role this week after five years in charge.
This summer Brighton also saw several experienced first-teamers depart.
This includes seven players from the Seagulls side that ended Chelsea’s 33-game unbeaten run in February 2021.
But Robinson’s energetic attacking displays have been among the bright spots for the Seagulls this term with the player netting once in five WSL appearances.
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Her efforts have seen her make the jump from England’s Under-23s, with the forward named in Sarina Wiegman’s squad before games against Japan and Norway this month.
In September Robinson said: “There’s more of an expectation of the (Under-23s) group with the senior side ahead of us being European Champions.
“When we’re in camps they would remind us of that.
“At the camp (after the Euros) we were regularly reminded about the success of the seniors.
“That’s what everyone has got to be striving for.
“We’ve got to make that gap between the Under-23s (and the senior) as small as possible so that when the transition is made for any player, it’s not too much of a big one.”
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On Robinson’s call-up, interim Albion boss Amy Merricks said: “It’s a real credit to Katie and a real credit to all of the staff that worked with her as well but mainly her.
“She has been very diligent, and very committed to her preparation application, and that needs to continue.
“Katie has lots of potential as a player.
“She needs to keep her head down, keep focused, which I know she will, and really enjoy the opportunity that she has next week.
“She had some real difficulties with her (ACL) injury.
Robinson’s performances for the Seagulls and England’s Under-23s have led to her first senior England call-upCredit: Getty
“She still has a long way to go, but it’s good to have a role model within the club and a pathway that is starting to achieve these things.”
On the forward’s reaction to her call-up, Merricks added: “I gave her a call straight after and she was quite in awe at first, but she was very upbeat and excited but also focused on the game this Sunday.”
A Charlton loan spell from January to the end of last season saw Robinson get some minutes after making her senior Albion debut in a clash with Leicester in January.
It was a good opportunity to get some game time. I feel sharp and technically better for itKatie Robinson on her Charlton loan spell
The forward made nine appearances for Karen Hills’ Addicks netting once with the club finishing fifth in the Championship last term.
And last month she scored within five minutes of coming on as a substitute during England’s Under-23’s 1-0 defeat of Belgium. 
Robinson added: “It was a good opportunity to get game time and more real experiences on the pitch, which is helping me now at Brighton.
“I feel sharp and technically better for it, so I’m glad that I did it.”
In recent years under former gaffer Powell, Brighton has nurtured the talents of a number of rising WSL stars including former Seagulls Maya Le Tissier and Ellie Brazil.
Amy Merricks wants Brighton to bounce back from their loss to Tottenham with a solid performance against West HamCredit: Getty
Like Robinson, Le Tissier, who sealed a summer move to Manchester United, received her first senior Lionesses call-up after a storming start to her Red Devils career.
Merricks added: “As a club, we’re really proud of developing individuals to be able to fulfill their potential and be the best they can be.  
“We saw that with Maya (when she was here) and we’ve seen that with Katie and with other individuals within the team as well.
Brighton, who finished seventh in the WSL last term, are eager to return to winning ways after a tough run in their five opening fixtures.
These included losses to Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea who currently occupy the league’s top three spots.
Their last four top-flight duels with West Ham ended as victories for the Irons.
Brighton hope to register their first win since their defeat of Reading in SeptemberCredit: Getty
Merricks hopes her side can return to winning ways ahead of the international break.
The Brighton boss said: “Our players are focused and ready to put on a display that the fans and the club can all be proud of as well as themselves.
“They know that if they put their focus into the game and stick to the principles we want to deliver then there’s no reason why we can’t perform well.” More

JONAS EIDEVALL was surprised Leicester axed boss Lydia Bedford.The Arsenal chief reckons his Gunners will face one of the WSL’s best defensively organised sides despite the Foxes’ six-game winless run.
Arsenal will be going for their sixth straight win in the top tier when they visit LeicesterCredit: Getty
Willie Kirk will take charge of Leicester for the first time when they play Arsenal in the WSLCredit: PA
New manager Willie Kirk, will lead Leicester against the Gunners following his appointment after working as the Foxes women’s football director.
It was in December last year against Arsenal that Bedford oversaw her first game in charge of the WSL strugglers.
While the former England youth coach lost that match, she guided the team to four wins and a draw that saw them remain in the top tier at the expense of Birmingham.
But six losses on the bounce saw the Foxes part company with Bedford on Friday.
Eidevall, 39, said: “I was surprised to see they changed manager.
“From the outside, when you purely look at the results … I think we all know it’s a results-based business.
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“Leicester were one of the better-coached teams in the league.
“They look very well structured. When we look at underlying numbers, it’s one of the best defensive teams in the league.”
Last term, Arsenal trounced the Foxes 4-0 and 5-0.
“Should they win again and Chelsea and Manchester United draw at Leigh Sports Village tonight, the Gunners will go top, two points clear.
The Gunners are resting star forward Vivianne Miedema this afternoon, with Eidevall explaining: “This was the best decision for both the player and the club.
“It’s never easy because all the games we are playing are tough.
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“But we always need to manage individuals in the long term and short term.”
Meanwhile, Alanna Kennedy is itching to return to action for Manchester City with the defender close to being fully fit.
The Australia international is yet to make an appearance for the Citizens as she continues her recovery from a shoulder injury.
And she could face a battle to reclaim her place in City’s back line with the club having conceded just once in their last four games across all competitions.
Kennedy, whose teammates visit Reading today, said: “It’s only a good thing for us to better ourselves with the competition.
Alanna Kennedy is close to returning to full fitness for Manchester CityCredit: PA
“But I can’t wait to be back out there.
“It can be quite isolating at times, so it just makes you want to be at your best again.”
Matt Beard says Shanice van de Sanden is unlikely to make her first start for Liverpool until after their November 20 clash with Brighton.
The Holland star came on as a late sub during the Reds’ 2-1 loss to Man City last time out.
Reds boss Beard, whose aces take on Aston Villa later, said: “It’s going to be probably post-Brighton for Shanice starting games. 
“She has had two full weeks of training now. We’ll have another two weeks in this international break to really get her up to speed.”
Shanice van de Sanden came on as a 76th-minute substitute for Liverpool during their game against Manchester CityCredit: Getty More