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Women's World Cup: Toni Duggan calls for 'equal criticism' ahead of England vs Scotland
ENGLAND star Toni Duggan believes that female footballers should face just as much scrutiny as their male counterparts.
The Lionesses star made the claim ahead of the start of the Women’s World Cup this Friday.
England’s tournament begins on Sunday, as they face Scotland at the Allianz Riviera.
Duggan, one of England’s lead players, has had a mixed season for Barcelona, having missed out on the Primera Division.
Barca were also beaten in the Champions League final by Lyon 4-1, after conceding four goals in the first half-an-hour.
Duggan and her team-mates were criticised in the aftermath of that game, with the Englishwoman receiving a rating of one out of five by El Mundo Deportivo.
But the winger revealed that she was perfectly okay with that, because when her team wins they end up on the front pages in Spain.
“In Spain when we're successful we're on the front page of the newspaper,” she said. “Every newspaper.
“But when we lose we're slated, the same as the men. That's the level the game is at.
“In the past, we might have lost a game (in England) and you get fans messaging you saying, 'Ah, don't worry, you've done so well'.
“And it can be a bit patronising. We've actually played badly and people are saying, "Ah, we're so proud".
“Is it just because we're the women's team? Is it just because we're girls?
“If that was the men you wouldn't be saying that.
“I’m not asking for all the journalists to criticise us all the time but it would be a sign (of progress).”
Duggan’s team-mate, Jill Scott, believes that this Sunday’s clash will be no walkover, despite England being firm favourites.
She explained that the tie will be one of the biggest of her life, although England ran out 6-0 winners in their last meeting.
“I think what’s important is we don’t get lost in the emotion of the occasion and we just stay logical, earn the right to play,” Scott said.
“I haven’t even thought about that [6-0 win], which probably shows how I think this game’s going to be completely different.
“At that time, Scotland had some fantastic players but they probably didn’t have the experience that they’ve got now. I definitely think it will be a much tighter affair than the one before.”