England and Arsenal forward Alessia Russo has welcomed concerns raised in the House of Commons about a lack of birthday and greeting cards featuring female footballers.
Liberal Democrat MP Helen Maguire tabled a motion this week to call for action.
Maguire’s Early Day Motion (EDM), signed by 11 other MPs, stated that “the under-representation of female athletes in such products undermines efforts to promote gender equality in sports”.
Arsenal’s Russo, a star of England’s European Championship winning squad, said: “It is great to see people are still trying to push the women’s game, and for us as players, we just want as many people in the stands and pushing the game in that force, too.
“We have got some massive games coming up. We would love to see everyone there. But I think it is cool we are trying to push the game in all directions.”
The 25-year-old added with a smile: “I don’t know if anyone would want my face on a birthday card!”
EDMs allow MPs to express an opinion, publicise a cause or support a position. However, it is rare for them to be debated.
Russo is in brilliant form, having scored in each of her last six Women’s Super League appearances.
She will lead Arsenal’s line when they take on leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
