Women’s celebration shows squad unity
Mark Sampson said he was surprised England Women’s players rushed towards him to celebrate the opening goal in last night’s easy 6-0 Women’s World Cup qualifying win over Russia.
Every member of the starting XI – including four ex-Sunderland Ladies players (Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Jordan Nobbs and Demi Stokes) – raced to the bench after Nikita Parris netted the 11th-minute opener, and the exuberant scenes sparked criticism from former striker Eni Aluko.
Aluko suggested it was a sign of “disrespect” towards her from within the ranks of the Lionesses. She is the former England player whose allegations of racism, harassment and bullying sparked an investigation into Sampson’s alleged conduct.
Sampson has been cleared twice, by an FA review and an independent investigation, and he firmly denies any wrongdoing.
Alluding to Sampson’s often-repeated claim of togetherness in the England ranks, Aluko wrote on Twitter: “For the most together team in the world tonight’s ‘message’ only shows a level of disrespect that represents division and selfish action.”
Parris said it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to rush to Sampson after scoring, and said it was neither rehearsed nor meant as an insult. Sampson said of being mobbed by the dugout: “I didn’t foresee anything coming really, in terms of that.” He said it was “not something that is usual” as he lavished praise on his players, as further goals came from Jodie Taylor, Jordan Nobbs, Lucy Bronze and Toni Duggan, who struck twice in the second half.
Questioned about the team’s response, in the first game since the allegations against him became public knowledge, Sampson added: “Our initial joy is that we’ve scored the opening goal in a big World Cup qualifier.
“We’ve really preached team togetherness and support for your team-mates since I’ve come through the door. It’s not something that is usual and it was something different but it’s a quality we’re always pushing with the players.
“It’s been a difficult time for everyone, that’s for sure.
“This has not been an easy situation and it is a serious situation, and we’ve tried our best to be as respectful as we possibly can towards that, but be fully aware that we’ve got a job to do.
“These women are representing their country tonight and they wanted to make sure their level of performance was right and their attitude was right.”
Parris said of her goal reaction: “It came natural to me, to show that we are a united team. We know the situation that’s been happening in the media. In my experience of being in the squad, I feel valued and the whole team feels that way.”