Leah Williamson wants Lionesses to wear OneLove armband at 2023 World Cup
England captain Leah Williamson hopes England will be able to wear the OneLove armband, at the World Cup in July, as an act of “solidarity” with LGBTQ+ players.
Williamson, 25, will be wearing the armband, representing the national team, during the Arnold Clark Cup tournament which kicks off on 16 February. “We’re never shy in saying what we stand for,” said Williamson. “We’re a squad that embraces equality and we have a number of people that feel very strongly about it.
It’s not even a question for us really. “We have seen another men’s player step out and be as brave as they can be and potentially change their whole life – as they don’t know what’s coming – so to also stand in solidarity with them is important to us.” Czech Republic’s Jakub Jankto has made history as the first current international in men’s football to publicly come out as gay.
The star made his senior debut for the Czech Republic in 2017 and has scored four goals across 45 appearances. In a now-viral clip shared by the 27-year-old on 13 February, he opened up about his sexuality publicly for the first time. “Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends,” he said. “I have a job that I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, with professionalism and passion.” Continuing with her message to the media, Williamson showcased support for the LGBTQ+ community and the team’s mission to make the sport accessible for all: “It’s something we’ve always done and will continue to do.
