Beth Mead says diversity comments not a true reflection of her values

Ian Wright often attends Arsenal's WSL matches and speaks with their players regularly

England forward Beth Mead says her recent comments about diversity in the Lionesses squad were "not a true reflection" of her values.

She drew criticism on social media after she was quoted in the Guardian as saying the make-up of the squad which won Euro 2022 was "coincidental".

There were three mixed-heritage players involved for the Lionesses.

But Mead told Sky Sports: "It was a tough one to take. I think it was unfair how it was written."

The Arsenal forward, 27, added: "My values and beliefs are completely different to what was written. It's not a true reflection of me as a person.

"In terms of diversity and everything in the game, I want to be there front and centre, helping with that. I know the FA are doing a lot for that. I said that in the interview and that didn't get put through.

"Unfortunately it made me look worse in that context but these things happen in the media these days. That's not a true reflection of me and I hope people understand that and sometimes don't believe everything you read."

It is estimated that the proportion of black, Asian and minority ethnic players in the Women's Super League is between 10-15% - compared with about 33% in the Premier League.

On Thursday, England manager Sarina Wiegman said "we need to do more" to improve diversity in English women's football.

Mead received criticism on social media earlier in the week for her answer to a question on the diversity of the England team in an interview with the Guardian.

When asked why there are so few black players in England's squad, the Ballon d'Or runner-up and BBC Women's Footballer of the Year said: "I think it's completely coincidental."

She added: "We put out our best 11 and you don't think of anyone's race or anything like that. I think that's more an outsider's perspective."

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright later said he had spoken with Mead about her comments, which he described as "disappointing".

"I called Beth and spoke to her. We had a great chat," Wright told ITV.

"I'm very fond of Beth and yes, it was a bit disappointing seeing that. What was said will obviously stay between us but I think it was a massive moment of reflection and learning for her.

"It's a systemic problem and we are just dealing with it in incidents. That's what we really need to start dealing with - the systemic problem."

Mead started England's 4-0 friendly win over Japan on Friday and was asked by Sky Sports what difficult conversations have arisen since her comments.

"I guess it's brought it to light even more which I know is not great the way it's happened but hopefully it can push things in the right direction.

"There's a long, long way to go, don't get me wrong, but the FA are doing a lot and people need to get on board with that and try to help that process as best they can - me and the team included."

Mead's comments 'clumsy'

Wright said these were "not new conversations" and it "feels like we're always starting from scratch" as he called for more resources to tackle a lack of diversity in women's football.

"There's a lot of resources and energy that goes into the men's game and what you want to see is the same energy and resources in the women's game," the 59-year-old added.

Former England international Eniola Aluko said the comments from Mead were "clumsy" and believes changes can be made in recruitment.

"It's about making sure we're widening the pool of players for Sarina Wiegman to choose from and for the academies to choose from," Aluko told ITV.

"The talent is there. The FA needs to sit down and look at whether they can build centres in certain areas.

"Just change our practises a little bit. With the professionalism of the game it's maybe excluded people a little bit."

The Football Association recently launched its Discover My Talent programme aimed at improving accessibility to football, which the governing body hopes will improve diversity.