England star admits to being 'sad' ahead of Colombia Women's World Cup clash
England star Beth England is 'sad' some teams weren't financially supported at the Women's World Cup
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England Women's World Cup star Beth England has admitted she's 'sad' about some teams not being supported financially at the tournament.
The Lionesses have been in impressive form ahead of Saturday's showdown with Colombia, with Sarina Wiegman's side hoping to make the last four of the tournament.
This year, FIFA have guaranteed pay to teams - in stark contrast to previous years.
And England has admitted she's sad that not all countries have the support of their respective Football Associations, citing Jamaica as an example.
England star Beth England has looked ahead to Colombia Women's World Cup clash
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Speaking at a pre-match press conference, she said: “I think the fact that Fifa put these sanctions in place to make sure regardless, even in the group stages, that money was there – especially for teams who don't have the funding like we're so lucky to have with the FA [is important].
"I think it's important that we continue to push, to push to grow the women's game.
"We're finally starting to see the benefits of that for athletes, whether that is through bonuses, pay, other funding, better facilities, better training pitches.
"I think that's just part and parcel of the game.
"The more the game grows and becomes a wider spread for the female game we deserve to be paid at least a reasonable amount for that.
"I don't think it's unacceptable to be asking for such things.
"For countries like I know with Jamaica they had to set up a GoFundMe to get here, I think it's sad in this day and age that teams are still having to do that.
"However, it's also amazing to know that players are going to be able to leave this tournament knowing they'll be left with a good bonus at the end of it.
”England hasn't always been a starter for the Lionesses.
And when asked if she deserves to be unleashed against Colombia from the very beginning of the match, she said: “The million dollar question!
"Look, ultimately Sarina [Wiegman] is the boss. I am here to be a part of the team that is, whether it is starting or as a sub.
"I love playing football, I want to play as much football as I can at this tournament.
"So ultimately if I get the minutes I will try and do everything I can when I am on the pitch, and even if I don’t [get on the pitch], I will be there to be the No1 fan for the girls that are on the pitch."
England also shed light on how she's enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence.
The Tottenham star has previously revealed she used to work in a chip shop before forging a name for herself in football.
And England knows just how far she's come.
She stated: "When I look back to working in a chippy, doing a shift at 5am, clearing up drunken people's left over food or alcohol bottles and now I'm playing in a major tournament - that for me is very much a pinch me moment.
"Everyone has different stories and how they've got here.
"It's quite humbling because times like that you feel like a normal person, which is what I feel like I am, but then you come to a tournament like this and you this 'wow, there's millions and millions of eyes watching me in this moment'.
"It's special and moments like this you can really treasure."
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England set up Colombia Women's World Cup clash by beating Nigeria on penalties
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England will face off against Colombia looking to make the semi-finals of the tournament for the third time in a row.
They finished fourth in 2019 but secured a third-placed finish at the event in Canada in 2015.