England netball star happy to toughen up and ‘cop the criticism’

Helen Housby tells Tom Harle how increased scrutiny should be embraced as women’s sport becomes ever more popular

Housby is ready to take on her critics (Getty Images)

Helen Housby wants female athletes to toughen up and ‘cop the criticism’ given to male counterparts

Women’s sport has never drawn more eyeballs. The Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup reached 701 million people worldwide and 11.9m UK residents tuned in to watch the Lionesses in World Cup quarter-final action

And netball poster girl Housby believes increased scrutiny will come with increased interest but that shouldn’t stop top players basking in the spotlight