LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY says she will be supporting the Three Lionsâ push to win the World Cup, but will not watch this yearâs tournament in Qatar.
And the Lionesses centre-back believes sport can be a âstrong vehicleâ for change on social issues.
The England aceâs comments come days after her Arsenal and international team-mate Beth Mead questioned the decision to host the contest in the country due to its anti-homosexuality laws.
The duo are part of the Lionesses squad due to play Japan and Norway this month in the team’s last two international games this year.
When asked for her thoughts on the tournament being held in the Gulf state, Wubben-Moy, 23, said: âItâs tough.
“As an England team, we all have strong values and a lot of those values arenât reflected, in the way that we see it, in Qatar.
“Itâs a tough conversation to have and thereâs a lot of dialogue around it.
“I will be supporting the menâs team, but I wonât be watching.
“Itâs hard to talk about but at the end of the day, weâre one team here with England.
“We know that they have an opportunity to play at a World Cup and itâs hard to look beyond that really.”
Last week Fifa wrote a letter to the 32 nations competing in the World Cup urging them to âfocus on football.
In it, the football governing body called for the sport not to be drawn âinto ideological battles”.
Their letter follows campaignersâ criticisms of the treatment of migrant workers in Qatar and concerns regarding the countryâs stance on same-sex relationships.
On the question of whether sport can be a platform for change, Wubben-Moy added: âSport is a very strong vehicle for change.
âTo underestimate that would be naive.
“Iâve seen a lot of the players have strong viewpoints and I salute them.
“I wish them the best in looking to express that throughout this World Cup.
âA lot of the players might not ever play in a World Cup again, so I canât comment on them choosing to go because many people would take that same choice.
“But (if) they can use this opportunity to help bring about change, I think thatâs important.”
Wubben-Moy, who actively champions a variety of equality issues, helped spearhead the Lionessesâ letter calling for equal access to football in PE lessons for girls.
As part of her work with Arsenal in the Community, the defender is collaborating with the club on developing a project which uses football to help girls and young women in areas in London.
The programme aims to use the sport âto build their self-confidence and communication skillsâ.
