Leah Williamson: I’m concerned we’re used as a stepping stone into the men’s game

Leah Williamson has spoken out about male allies in women’s football and said that she’s concerned that “we’re used as a stepping stone” into the men’s game.

The England captain and Arsenal defender was speaking to Nuala McGovern after finding out that she has topped the Woman’s Hour Power List 2023: Women in Sport, which showcases the 30 most remarkable women in sport in the UK right now.

Leah said that there were some good male allies in her sport, such as former England footballer Ian Wright and England manager Gareth Southgate, but people need to “be invested and they need to have our best interests at heart” and that there needs to be a “level of respect”.

You can listen to the full interview with Leah Williamson on BBC Sounds - it’s the 28 March Woman’s Hour Power List 2023 episode.