The out and proud LGBTQ+ footballers representing England in the Women’s Euro 2022 squad

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The England women’s national team has unveiled its Women’s Euro 2022 squad, with a number of out and proud LGBTQ+ players making the final list.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman announced the final 23 on Thursday (16 June) ahead of the Women’s Euro 2022 contest, which kicks off on 6 July at Old Trafford, Manchester.

England women’s team manager Sarina Wiegman said: “I am excited by what is possible for this group. We all know this is a huge opportunity and it is one we have to grab with both hands.

“The chance to represent the nation on such a big stage on home soil is one to relish. This group so far has proven they are prepared to give it all they have in every training session, in every meeting and in every game.”

A mix of experienced and younger players, the England Women’s Euro 2022 team includes several LGBTQ+ players, including veteran Jill Scott.

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Ahead of the Euros, here’s a look at some of the out and proud players.

Beth Mead Beth Mead. (The FA via Getty)

The 27-year-old Arsenal forward, known as the ‘Hinderwell hot-shot’, has been representing England since she was 15 years old.

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She made her debut for the senior women’s team in 2018. Her journey hasn’t been easy though, with an injury in 2020 keeping her off the SheBelieves Cup squad. There was more disappointment when missed out on the Tokyo Team GB squad.

However, Mead is now back to full fitness – as her incredible 14-minute hat trick in April 2022 proved – and she is said to be ready to prove herself at the Women’s Euros.

Rachel Daly Rachel Daly. (The FA via Getty)

The 30 year old right-back/midfielder has garnered a lot of praise over the years, with ex-England manager, Phil Neville, quoted as saying: “Rachel reminds me of me”.

Many believe this was in reference to Daly’s adaptability as a player.  Daly plays for Houston Dash in the US. Having represented England in her youth, she picked by Neville for the SheBelieves Cup in2018 and has been an England staple since.

Jess Carter Jess Carter. (The FA via Getty)

Born in 1997, the 24 year old Chelsea left-back is acclaimed for her versatility, able to play right-back, wing-back, centre-back, and midfield. Consequently, she is a formidable opponent on the pitch.

Growing up, Carter was known for aptitude for all sports. She says she was better at rugby than football, but aged 16 chose the latter.

It was in 2017 that she made her debut for the senior team.

Demi Stokes Demi Stokes. (FIFA via Getty)

Since joining the Sunderland Youth Academy at eight years old, Demi stokes has had a steady and successful career.

Having played in the Women’s Premier League Northern Division, and in the FA Women’s Cup in 2009, Stokes then signed a University of South Florida scholarship in 2011.

The 30-year-old has since returned home, playing as a a left-back for Manchester City and England. In 2021 she went to the Tokyo Olympics with Team GB.

Fran Kirby Fran Kirby. (Nathan Stirk/Getty)

The Reading-born footballer is a forward for both the England team and Chelsea.

Born in 1993, the 28-year-old has progressed from local player to international star despite much adversity over the course of career.

Losing her mum suddenly in 2014 took a heavy mental toll on Kirby, as did being diagnosed with pericarditis, an inflammation of the heart, in 2019.

However, that hasn’t stopped Kirby from being named as Chelsea’s top all-time scorer in 2020. She is now back after a year out, but having been diagnosed with a fatigue condition in April 2022, pundits question her health ahead of the Euros.

Bethany England Bethany England scores for Chelsea. (Chelsea FC via Getty) More from PinkNews

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A centre-forward, the 28-year-old has made a name for herself playing for Chelsea, accumulating in her being named WSL’s player of the year during the 2019-2020 season.

Chelsea’s manager, Emma Hayes, was so impressed with England’s skills on the pitch that she called the her “the best English number nine in the country”.

Jill Scott Jill Scott. (FIFA via Getty)

Midfielder Jill Scott, 35, is one of the rare few Lionesses to have surpassed 150 caps.

After making her England debut in 2006, she played in the 2009 and 2011 World Cups and has played in four Euros. In May it was announced that she will be leaving Manchester City after eight season