Ian Wright: Don't underestimate the power of women's game

Tuesday 14 Oct 2014
England Women will play at Wembley on 23 November

Arsenal legend Ian Wright says that people will be impressed by what they see if they come and support England Women when they face Germany at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 23 November.

The former England striker is a big fan of the women’s game and will be in attendance himself at next month’s historic fixture.

England Women v Germany

International Match
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
3pm Sunday 23 November
TheFA.com/tickets

He told TheFA.com that he is excited by the match and hopes it can prove the catalyst for the women’s game to get the attention Wright feels it deserves.

“I’m pleased with the way the women’s game is progressing but I think it is under-rated,” said Wright.

“It’s not as powerful as the men’s game but it’s more about finesse.”

“You’ll get some ladies who are very quick and very powerful but in the main the game is very technical. It’s very good and I like watching it.”

Wright was speaking as part of Carlsberg’s Fan Squad at an event where Carlsberg invited 1,000 England supporters to Brent Civic Centre for the ‘ultimate England fan experience’ prior to the Three Lions’ win over San Marino at Wembley.

Paddy McGuiness and Ian Wright at the Carlsberg Ultimate England Experience

Paddy McGuiness and Ian Wright at the Carlsberg Ultimate England Experience

And the Fan Squad member was quick to call on his fellow England supporters to throw their weight behind the England Women’s team.

“I think the more people that can back it and watch it then the better it will become,” said Wright.

“It’s massive in America but when they started the players themselves had to go around trying to get people to come to the games.”

“Now they are selling out huge stadiums, it’s amazing.”

“Talk about women’s football and Kelly Smith and Rachael Yankey spring to mind – and one of my favourite players is Marieanne Spacey”

Ian Wright 

 

Wright has been following the women’s game for some time and says he has seen some very good players down the years.

But the ex-Palace and Arsenal man is quick to point out that he’s also extremely impressed with the current crop of England players as well.

“When you talk about women’s football Kelly Smith leaps to mind, so does Rachael Yankey and one of my all-time favourite players is Marieanne Spacey,” reminisced Wright.

“I used to watch Hope Powell and Brenda Sempare when they used to play for Fulham ladies.”

“But we’ve got very skilful players in our Women’s team; we’ve got a good young team.”

“The Germans have got great players but they will still be afraid of England.”

England Women play at the new Wembley for the first time when they take on Germany, kick-off at 3pm.

Tickets are priced at £15 for adults and just £1 for children.

Head for thefa.com/tickets to book your tickets now.

By Chris Hall Digital Content Officer