A BASILDON-born England footballer is helping to stamp out homophobia in sport by speaking out for the first time about being gay.

Arsenal Ladies centre-back and England captain Casey Stoney is hoping to play a part in changing perceptions of sportsmen and women after coming out to the public today.

Casey, who has been in her current relationship for three years, said she was inspired by diver Tom Daley, who also recently announced he was in a gay relationship.

She said: “I have been really overwhelmed by the positivity I have had."

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