A number of talented former youth players from England are preparing to showcase their skills on the global stage in the upcoming Women’s World Cup. However, not all of them will be representing the Lionesses, as some have decided to switch their sporting nationality and play for the land of their parents or grandparents. Sport News Center had the opportunity to speak with Rosella Ayane and Becky Spencer from Tottenham Hotspur, as well as Ashleigh Plumptre from Leicester City, about their bold decision and the impact it has had on their careers.
Embracing a New Family
When Morocco secured their first-ever Women’s World Cup spot last year, Rosella Ayane, a forward for Spurs, had to fulfill a promise she had made earlier. Ayane became the first English player from the Women’s Super League to represent the Atlas Lionesses after switching her sporting allegiance from England the year before. However, she had yet to perform her initiation song.
Pressured to deliver at the start of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Ayane delayed her performance, insisting that the team secure a top-four finish and the World Cup ticket first. She fondly recalls the moment when her new teammates embraced her by making her stand on a chair and sing her heart out after they had qualified for the tournament. Ayane’s decision to join Morocco felt right both in terms of football and her mental state, and she is grateful for the way her teammates have welcomed her into their culture and language despite their differences.
Ayane proved her worth on the field, scoring the winning penalty that propelled Morocco into the Afcon final. She also received recognition for her sporting achievements by winning a Moroccans of the World award. As Ayane looks ahead to the World Cup, she sees her decision to switch as a personal triumph and hopes to contribute to changing the perspective of women’s football in Morocco, inspiring the next generation and bringing pride to her adopted nation.
Finding Acceptance in Jamaica
Becky Spencer, a goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur, also made the decision to switch from England to Jamaica in 2021. This move rejuvenated her career and motivated her to continue playing for a few more years. Spencer, who has an English father and Jamaican heritage, had considered retiring before the switch.
Spencer’s impressive career includes winning the Champions League with Arsenal in 2007 and making over 100 appearances in the Women’s Super League. Although she had represented England at various youth levels, she remained uncapped at the senior level, which led her to focus on her club performances and media work. An approach from Jamaica reignited her passion, and she felt accepted by the Reggae Girlz for who she was as a player. Despite the challenges faced by Jamaica’s football federation, Spencer believes in the team’s cohesion and hopes their visibility in the World Cup will inspire future players in Jamaica.
A Journey of Self-Understanding
For Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre, her debut for Nigeria against Ivory Coast in 2022 was an emotional moment. Returning to her hotel after the match, she couldn’t hold back the tears. The decision to switch her sporting nationality to Nigeria, the birthplace of her grandfather, had significant meaning for her and her family.
Plumptre had enjoyed great experiences with England, playing in two European Under-17 Championships alongside future stars such as Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo. However, conversations during the lockdown with her younger half-sister about racism, their African heritage, and a culture they were not familiar with led her to consider her connections to Nigeria. Reaching out to the Super Falcons was a crucial step in her journey, although initially, she felt overwhelmed by her new teammates, even hesitating to speak to Barcelona’s star striker, Asisat Oshoala.
As Plumptre played a vital role in Nigeria’s qualification journey to the World Cup, she gained invaluable experiences and learned more about her heritage and family’s culture. Her decision to switch became a journey of self-understanding, and she hopes to serve as a role model for kids of mixed heritage. Her sister’s words of pride confirmed that she had made the right decision.
In Conclusion
The stories of Rosella Ayane, Becky Spencer, and Ashleigh Plumptre reflect the diverse motivations behind their decisions to switch allegiances for the Women’s World Cup. Their choices have provided them with new experiences, personal growth, and the opportunity to represent their respective adopted nations. Whether it’s changing the perspective of women’s football in Morocco, inspiring future players in Jamaica, or embracing their heritage and being role models for others, these players have found fulfillment in their bold decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Switching allegiances
Why did some former England players switch allegiances for the Women’s World Cup?
Some former England players decided to switch allegiances for the Women’s World Cup due to various reasons such as personal fulfillment, a desire to represent their parents’ or grandparents’ land, and feeling accepted and valued by their adopted nations. Each player had their own unique motivations behind the switch.
3 comments
wow these former england players are really doing sumthng different, swtching allegiances is a big step n they hav their reasons. i hope they do well in the wrld cup! go girls!
Switchin allegiances is a tough decision but i respect their choices. Each player has their own journey n its amazin 2 c how they’ve found fulfillment in their new teams. Good luck to them all! #WomenPower
Its gr8 2 c players folowin their hearts n representin their roots. The wrld cup will b mor intrsting now wth them on othr teams. Can’t wait 2 c wat they brng! #excited