© PA Wire England v Luxembourg – 2023 World Cup Qualifiers – Group D – Stoke City Stadium
England campaigner Lucy Bronze says ending abusive behavior and sexual harassment in women's sport is "high on the list".
US soccer's governing body has announced it will soon make reforms after an independent investigation found abuse and neglect to be "systematic" in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
The Bronze Lion has been improving her skills at the US universities and is preparing to face the world champions at a sold-out Wembley Stadium on Friday night.
The 30-year-old said the England players fully support those affected.
"Women's sports often have problems like this and I think they've been around for a long time, but people don't have the courage to come forward," says Bronze.
“So it's nothing new that we've finally responded to.
"It's really sad to read these stories. I'm very lucky to have a career where I don't have this problem.
"I've never looked back and thought, 'That was so funny.'" I'd like to think a lot of my teammates were lucky enough to say the same thing.
“We've been saying for a long time that a lot needs to change in women's sport and this is at the top of the list of things that need to change.
"Sad offensive stories and allegations don't just happen in women's football, there are many women's sports where this happens and we support all women standing up and speaking out."
The U.S. investigation by Sally Yates and King & Spalding LLP began last year after North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley was indicted.
We interviewed over 200 NWSL players for the report.
As well as looking into the allegations against England's Riley, the inquiry is also looking into allegations against two other coaches, Northern Ireland's Rory Dames and Christy Holley.
All three denied the incident.
Dams left the Chicago Red Stars last November after reports of verbal abuse and sexual misconduct with players.
Holley left her coaching position in 2016 and claims he was fired by Racing Louisville last year for sexual harassment after similar allegations.
I can't even imagine how hard it is to face and talk.
Lucia bronze
"Each one of us feels sorry for all these players, especially those who spoke and told the truth," continued Barcelona's Bronza.
“I can't imagine how hard it is to face and then talk.
"Instead, they said they hope to prevent things like this from happening again and to hold people accountable."
"As an England team we fully support these players.
"Honestly, it's very embarrassing and I think some of the stories are very upsetting to read."
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