Lucy Bronze said England players feel ‘empowered’ but insisted their bonus row with the Football Association will not hamper their World Cup hopes.
The 23-player squad, including the two stand-by players, published an open letter on Tuesday saying they had paused discussions with the governing body but highlighted their frustration and disappointment at not being able to reach an agreement.
Talks with the FA broke down over the governing body paying players extra money on top of what they will receive from FIFA for taking part in the tournament before the squad flew out to Australia.
They then re-entered negotiations but failed to reach an agreement before flying Down Under, with talks resuming in Australia.
But with just three days to go until England’s opening game, players believe further discussions should be put on hold so as not to disrupt their participation in the tournament.
Lucy Bronze said England’s players feel ‘empowered’ to improve women’s football
Bronze insisted their bonus row with the FA will not hamper their hopes at the tournament
The England squad signed an open letter confirming they will revisit talks after the World Cup
‘I think the players are feeling very empowered,’ Bronze said. ‘I think it’s the first time as a player group we’ve actually ever sent the message out ourselves.
‘We felt it was important that we sent the message out. We want to show that we’re focused for the World Cup, that is our main focus.
‘There’s always discussions going on. I think it’s the first time that it’s been made more public.
‘Everybody knows that I love to, maybe not argue but I love to give my opinion. I’m very strong minded. We have a few players like that as well, people who kind of set the standard.
‘I think it was important for us to share our voice, that people know that it’s something we feel is important to us – making changes in women’s football both on and off the pitch.’
Bronze, who confirmed captain Leah Williamson has been involved with discussions despite not being at the World Cup due to injury, is confident the players’ argument with the FA will not affect their performance at the tournament.
‘I’m one hundred percent confident that we will not be distracted by this. Every single one of our players is fully focused on playing in the games and playing great football.
‘These conversations happen regularly, they happened before the Euros and I don’t think it distracted us then because we went on and won it.
‘It’s something that we now have to deal with as footballers, the label of “we’re performing athletes, we’re role models, we’re empowering women around the world, we’re changing society.”
‘There’s many things that fall under the name of female footballer and I think we’re fully capable of managing that ourselves. We have a great group of girls that are able to share the load and make sure that we’re all focused on our aim and that is to get to the World Cup final.’
A new pay-structure was brought in for this World Cup after pressure from players’ union Fifpro, with FIFA set to award every player competing in the group stage $30,000 (£24,000). The further teams progress, the higher the reward, with every player in the winning team pocketing $270,00 (£206,000) each.
Unlike the FA, the United States and Australia are paying players bonuses on top of that money. It is understood that the Lionesses’ main frustration at the FA’s decision is that the governing body portrays itself as a world-leading federation in the women’s game, but is failing to match their competitors.
Other countries have also been involved in rows with their federations over bonuses while teams like Jamaica and Nigeria have protested over a lack of access to facilities.
Sarina Wiegman’s side have been unable to reach an agreement with the FA in recent weeks
‘We’re not only doing this for ourselves, we’re doing it so that we can set a standard,’ Bronze said.
‘It’s something that we’ve seen in the US team for many years. I know when we speak we’ll be like “Why are the USA doing this or doing that”, because they’ve set the standard or an expectation of what you can do in women’s football and what it brings. They’ve won World Cups because of it.
‘It’s unfortunate that it has come before the World Cup, but at the same time, it’s because the World Cup gives us the big stage. It’s when people want to listen to us, it’s when things really matter. And that’s why so many teams now are coming out and speaking about it, because it’s the only moment that they get the stage or the opportunity to speak out.
‘I think we see in the game that we’re all empowering each other to set the standards higher, whether it’s the US the England team, the Aussies, Jamaica, there’s teams right across the board, who we’re all empowering each other to push the game – not just our own teams, but the entire game.
‘This will be the biggest Women’s World Cup ever. But I’m sure in four years time, it’ll be even bigger, thanks to all the changes that people are able to make this time around.’
Bronze does not think they will reach a point where they consider a potential boycott
Players are determined to resume negotiations after the World Cup but Bronze does not think they will reach a point where they consider a potential boycott.
‘We know that although we’re having a discussion with the federation, they are on our side, they do want to make the game better.
‘It will never get to the point that potentially other teams have – to go down that kind of route.
‘We know that our federation really wants to push the game on as well. So I think we’re in a quite fortunate position where as much as we have difficult conversations, I think we will be able to find a solution.’
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Mail Online
