ELLEN WHITE: England’s women are right not to let the FA sweep their pay disputes under the rug – but they won’t let that distract them at the Women’s World Cup when it starts tomorrow
ELLEN WHITE: England’s women are right not to let the FA sweep their pay disputes under the rug – but they won’t let that distract them at the Women’s World Cup when it starts tomorrow
- England’s players are at odds with the FA over bonuses that could be as high as £206,000 per player at the Women’s World Cup
- Financial support at elite level will also have an impact on grassroots football
- The team makes a relaxed impression and lets their football speak for itself
At this Women’s World Cup, England’s record goalscorer Ellen White writes exclusively for MailOnline about her take on the tournament.
Here, in her first column, Ellen looks at the string of bonuses that could eclipse England on the eve of their tournament entry, against Haiti tomorrow.
I felt very empowered to see the England team uniting over the past few days to take a stand on the issue of performance-related awards. I found my old teammate Lucy Bronze to have been so eloquent on the subject and I agree with her on the power of a collective voice.
The issue of pay and bonuses is nothing new in women’s football and that’s why it was so important that the players came together to present their point of view in this statement.
I fully support the work of the team. It’s so important that they didn’t just brush this issue under the rug and instead promised to resume talks with the FA at the end of the tournament.
Lucy was spot on when she said bonuses aren’t just about players making more money by being away from England. These bonuses have far-reaching implications for all of women’s football. In the long term, this money will go to grassroots sport, which can only be a good thing.
Lucy Bronze spoke about the issue of pay and bonuses at the Women’s World Cup
It’s at this level that investment really matters – to ensure we capitalize on the success of the national team and create opportunities for the next generation of Lionesses stars to achieve their dreams, just like the National Lottery did by awarding 50 million Pounds invested in women’s and girls’ football over the last 10 years.
I know from experience what a difference this investment can make. For two years I participated in a scholarship program for talented athletes sponsored by the National Lottery and it undoubtedly played a part in my rise in the game. Who knows if I would have played for England without that support.
I’ve heard some argue that debates about money are an unwelcome distraction on the eve of a big tournament. But having spent time with the girls over the past few days before they flew down under and speaking to some of them, I have no doubt it hasn’t affected their focus.
Their goal is simple: to start the World Cup season with flying colors against Haiti on Saturday.
The Lionesses have been preparing for their opening game against Haiti in Brisbane
Having played in six major tournaments with England, I know exactly how the girls will feel the night before their first game. They have been in Australia for almost two weeks now so there will be plenty of energy at this team hotel!
What really struck me as I spent time with the team was how relaxed they are. There was a real family feeling in the team atmosphere and that only helps to relax the players.
There are sure to be some nerves and tremors, but that’s only natural when you want to represent your country at the World Cup. But the prevailing feeling will be excitement and now they will want to let their football do the talking.
Our columnist Ellen White took part in six major tournaments and won the EM 2022
England haven’t scored in the three games before the tournament started, but I have no concerns about that at all. The talent in the squad speaks for itself. There are enough players who are able to create chances and put the ball in the net.
We still don’t know which direction Sarina Wiegman will take to the top as Rachel Daly and Alessia Russo vie for the coveted number 9 jersey. Whoever wins the bid will soon want to score a goal. It will be huge for their confidence but also for the team after their poor performance in front of goal.
Hopefully once they score the first goal the floodgates will open and England will go through with their group.
England haven’t scored in three games but Sarina Wiegman has talented attackers
Wiegman could choose Rachel Daly (left) or Alessia Russo (right) for the number 9 jersey
I was delighted to be part of the BBC team covering the tournament’s opening game on Thursday and what a result for New Zealand too!
I know from last summer’s home European Championship that going into the first game as host or co-host can be pretty nerve-wracking. I felt they handled the pressure superbly and I have no doubt that the home crowd played a big part in helping them across the finish line.
It was very special to see them make history by recording the first World Cup win for New Zealand, either by their men’s or women’s team, in front of their own fans at Eden Park. Hopefully it’s the first of many great storylines to emerge from this tournament.
Co-hosts New Zealand started the World Cup with a surprise 1-0 win over Norway
National Lottery players raise more than £30m a week for good causes, including vital funds for sport – from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make a great difference: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk #TNLAthletes #MakeAmazingHappen