MY ACCOUNT
Lucy Parker says there have been “really positive conversations” after the West Ham defender expressed her frustration at Women’s Super League games not being staged at the London Stadium.
Responding to the Hammers’ announcement that their men’s Under-18s team would play an FA Youth Cup semi-final at the ground, Parker tweeted: “When will we get a game at the stadium?
“Only WSL side not to have a game at the men’s stadium and haven’t played there since 2019. Made an FA Cup semi-final last year too, so can’t be that.”
Asked about the issue ahead of England’s upcoming matches with Brazil and Australia, she said: “There’s been really positive conversations.
“For me, I believe we have a responsibility to leave this game in a better place and that’s the only place my frustration has come from.”
It is understood a key objective of West Ham’s new-look women’s team board is to host a fixture at the London Stadium, a ground the club does not own.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Parker could make her senior England debut at a packed-out Wembley on Thursday when Sarina Wiegman’s Euro 2002 winners host Brazil in a sold-out Finalissima.
The centre-back has been recalled having previously come into the squad ahead of last October’s friendlies against the United States at the national stadium and the Czech Republic in Brighton.
She had to withdraw before the games after sustaining an injury and is delighted to have another opportunity to impress.
Parker said: “When I withdrew I still went to watch and it was crazy even from the stands, so to be on the pitch on Thursday will be incredible.
“It was a hard time [when I pulled out]. It was mentally one of the toughest things I’ve experienced because playing for England has always been sort of the end goal for me.
“There’s always that stress of will another chance come but I had spoken to Sarina upon leaving.
“Leaving was hard but knowing I just needed to get my body in a good place and make her notice me again helped.”
