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During the live English TV broadcast of England's 8-0 Group A victory against Norway, presenter Eilidh Barbour highlighted the issue by saying, "All 11 starting players and five substitutes who came onto the pitch were white, and that does point towards a lack of diversity in the women's game in England." Barbour's remarks led to a social media backlash, with high-profile commentators outside the game criticising both the presenter and the BBC for questioning Wiegman's squad, but former England players -- including Alex Scott and Anita Asante -- both defended Barbour and supported the suggestion that England's Euro 2022 squad does not reflect the demographics of the host nation.

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This sounds awfully familiar...

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From being a sport that grew organically within local communities in England and had a pathway to local teams -- England's all-time leading appearance holder, Fara Williams, was famously spotted playing in a ball court in Battersea, London -- the women's game has become detached from its working-class, "everyone's welcome" origins and, at times, accessible only to those young girls with the family network and financial means to be able to do so.

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Diversity Issues with the Lionesses

Wasn't aware of the original commentary mentioned in the OP, but I actually just found myself thinking the same thing re: the lack of diversity for England.

On the other hand, the USWNT seems to be regularly fielding more players of color. Ex: Press, Dunn, Smith, Pugh, Girma, Cook, Macario, Huerta, Sanchez, Purce, Rodman, Williams.

Wow, Spain is legit! Up 1-0 vs England.

Their ability to maintain possession and pass their way through pressure is very impressive. It's really an attractive style. Remember, they pushed the U.S. in the Round of 16 in the last World Cup.

All this without their best player who suffered an ACL prior to the Euros.

England just tied it. Great match so far!

Getting crazy. One of Spains players on the bench got a card. I do't have the sound on so not sure what it was for.

Arguing with 4th official about englands goal.

Hand Of God said:

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Their ability to maintain possession and pass their way through pressure is very impressive. It's really an attractive style. Remember, they pushed the U.S. in the Round of 16 in the last World Cup.

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Hell if I remember correctly I'd argue they were much better that day and we had multiple pks to get through

Yep, it was two penalties from Rapinoe in a 2-1 match.

What a good goal for England there

Gorgeous strike

Bummer for Spain. They were just a couple minutes away from pulling a massive upset. Always enjoy seeing England crash out early.

Hand Of God said:

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Bummer for Spain. They were just a couple minutes away from pulling a massive upset. Always enjoy seeing England crash out early.

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Yep. Watching the replay of the first England goal I think had this match not been in England there is a good chance that goal gets called back. Looks like the player with the Assist was preventing the Spain defender from being able to make a play on the ball.

Oh damn Spain's goalie damn near got a head on it

Very rarely do those get called it seems.

bbry81 said:

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Gorgeous strike

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Sweet strike but WTF were the two Spanish defenders doing. One of them has to close on the ball instead all they did was obscure their keeper. Honestly they keeper was not well positioned either otherwise even with a late reaction they should stop that given that strike was still middle 1/2 of the goal.

Hand Of God said:

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Wasn't aware of the original commentary mentioned in the OP, but I actually just found myself thinking the same thing re: the lack of diversity for England.

On the other hand, the USWNT seems to be regularly fielding more players of color. Ex: Press, Dunn, Smith, Pugh, Girma, Cook, Macario, Huerta, Sanchez, Purce, Rodman, Williams.

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how is the diversity in the NBA?

just bring in the best players - PERIOD

To Eilidh I would say, "Piss off, you wanker." (BTW, is that name pronounced eye-lid? F--kin' Limeys)

Sorry no thread on Women's Euros but just have to post that love watching Giulia Gwinn

Well their non-diverse team just won the Euros.