Yesterday we witnessed history happen. For the first time since 1966, England has won a major championship, and it’s the England women’s team who achieved it. Crowning them the European Champions of 2022 as they won 2-1 to Germany.
What the lionesses have achieved is truly remarkable and wonderful and it has put the spotlight firmly on women and girls football in this country. We’ve been campaigning to end gender based violence in football and also tackle racism. Shaista Aziz says, ‘I was very happy to see Nikita Parris come on as a substitute at the final. She was England’s only Black player in the squad for the final. There has been a glaring lack of racial representation and diversity in the Lionesses’s Euro 2022 squad contrasting deeply with the French team where out of 23 members of the squad, 15 are Black women and or women of colour. For everytime we are reminded that the Lionesses are role models for girls and women and many boys, men and non binary people, which they absolutely are, we should also question the lack of racialised talent coming through grassroots football in England and work on identifying the barriers and culture preventing girls and women of colour of reaching their potential.’
‘There is a lack of racial diversity and representation across grassroots football and all ranks of the sport, from coaching staff to referees, lines woman and players, to those working for footballs governing bodies and responsible for growing the game so it’s truly inclusive and accessible for all.
We know representation matters and it very much matters for women and girls of colour too. I have never seen as much diversity at Wembley for a England football match, I met many Black girls, women and women and girls of colour, including Muslim women wearing hijab. There is no doubt in my mind the Lionesses winning the European Championships is the very start of what girls and women playing football can achieve. We must all ensure that this is a legacy for all women and girls.’
Lack of diversity in England’s Lionesses ‘really sad’ and needs addressing, says ex-Chelsea star
