Ashley Lawrence: “England is more advanced than France in women’s football”

 The 30-year-old departed Chelsea last summer, switching the English champions for the French champions OL Lyonnes. 

After six years with Paris Saint-Germain, she moved to the Women’s Super League before returning to the Première Ligue and having played in both England and France at the highest level, Lawrence drew contrasts between where the two leagues are at.

“In England, every game is competitive,” the Canada international said. “It doesn't matter where the team is in the standings. And at Chelsea, it was just really amazing to see all the fans coming out. Every game, there was a lot of support. And that speaks a lot to the investment and a lot of the objectives that players have in that league.” 

By contrast, she believes France continues to evolve, particularly in its development structure and growing audiences. “France is a league that develops a lot of talent,” Lawrence added. “And having played prior and then now coming back to it, I would say that there's been a lot of progression in a lot of the teams. 

“There are more and more teams that are welcoming games in bigger stadiums, having more fans. So that's really promising. “In France, there is a lot of talent and homegrown talent in every team. There's a lot of young talent. And that speaks a lot to the development of players. “We see a lot of not only French players, but players that have played in the French league, also playing in leagues around the world in England and America.” 

Different paths, same ambitions

Despite the differences, Lawrence emphasised the shared ambition across both leagues. She believes England currently leads the way in certain areas, but sees continued growth across Europe. “The two leagues are different in a lot of ways, but similar in the sense that we're all striving for the same things. And that's pushing for advancing women's football.”

 “I would say England is a little bit more advanced, but we all have the same goals. And it's, you know, having played in both and experienced both, it's great to see the growth in both.” At Lyon, that ambition is being driven strongly from the top, in Michele Kang’s investment and long-term vision at Europe’s most successful club, with eight Champions League titles to their name. “Michelle Kang and her role is instrumental to everything,” Lawrence added. 

“You can feel the ambition and what she's looking to improve. And it’s us as players, us as women, as human beings, really looking to push us and find ways to help us improve.” With Lyon targeting further Champions League success this season, expectations remain high. “I would say all the top clubs you want to win, especially at Lyon, that is an objective every year,” she said. “We take it one day at a time but it’s always on our minds.”