Tag: England

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WSL

Manchester City undergo more exits than entries for 2026/27

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Photo from @bethmead on Instagram

Manchester City have been flying under the radar with more players leaving than coming. Only two new signings will join the Sky Blues. Both being players who had large impacts against City while at their former clubs.

One retirement struck Man City, as Laura Coombs announced her retirement from football altogether. The 35-year-old has played for a wide range of clubs in England, having started her professional career in 2007 for Arsenal. Since then she has also played for Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Liverpool and finally Manchester City. A lasting impact was made throughout her career as a steady contributor in the midfield as she succeeded whenever she got called upon. Also playing for England, Coombs made appearances in two group stage matches during the 2023 World Cup, where England reaches the finals.

Four youngsters mark their exits from the club, each of which went on their own loans last season and look for more gametime and development as players.  Codie Thomas departs from her childhood club after spending over ten years at the club.  The move to Nottingham Forest will serve vital to her career, as the 19-year-old fullback struggled to compete against more experienced fullbacks such as Kerstin Casparij. Poppy Pritchard completed her move to Leicester City after a loans to Durham and Celtic last season. Pritchard has signed a three-year deal for the foxes.

Tara O’Hanlon also underwent two loans last season, spending the first half at Sunderland, and the latter half with teammate Pritchard at Celtic. O’Hanlon struggled to find her footing at Manchester City following a MCL tear, and a tear in her calf prior to the 2025/26 season. The young defender has joined Wolves having no senior appearances for Manchester City, hoping to have a more stable at Wolves. Lily Murphy has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan after making 22 appearances for City since signing her professional contract in 2024.

Goalkeepers have made their exits from the club, with Eve Annets, Katie Startup and Khiara Keating leaving. Khiara Keating’s exit hits hard as she leaves with the expiration of her contract. Keating became City’s first-choice goalkeeper in 2023-24 as she won the WSL Golden Glove, but then struggled to fight for gametime against Ayaka Yamashita. The 22-year-old has also starred for her country, often being called up by Wiegman for England.

Katie Startup made her way into Man City’s squad as an emergency loan in the 2023/24 season coming from Everton, before joining on a permanent basis. This transfer means that Startup will hopefully increase her gametime as she joins Birmingham City. The final move from between the posts is Eve Annets’ loan to the Scottish WPL side Hibernian. Despite being signed with City for two seasons, Annets has yet to make an appearance for the club, having had gone on loan each season she’s spent at the club.

A centre back exit is from Naomi Layzell who has joined Everton on a season long loan, last season Layzell struggled to establish herself as a starting centre-back, having to face Knaack and Greenwood for the position. Consistent injury struggles also shortened her season with a hip surgery in December of 2025. Joining this exit is Spaniard Leila Ouahabi who has been a trusted player for Jergletz’ defence. With the conclusion of her contract, Ouahabi moves to the NWSL as she penned a three-year deal with Chicago Stars. The left-back spent four years at Manchester City and so, established herself as a regular starter for the club.

Undoubtably the name that has made the most headlines this transfer window is Kerolin Nicoli, who has left Manchester City for FC Barcelona with a record breaking fee of £1.28m, removing Arsenal’s fee for Olivia Smith from the top spot. Kerolin signed for City in January 2025 from the NWSL. Scoring 9 goals in 15 matches, Kerolin’s transfer will be noticed.

Two new signings both hail from London, with Beth Mead from Arsenal joining the frontline, and Chelsea’s Niamh Charles reinforcing the backline. Widely regarded as one of England’s best forwards, Mead pens a three-year deal, inevitably planning to make her mark on her new club. Mead’s perseverance and consistency has made her a country favourite, making her mark in Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-ups helping the Lionesses to European Championship triumph in 2022 and 2025.

Chelsea’s Niamh Charles has also has high levels of success with England internationally. Having won the WSL with Chelsea 5 times, Charles’ experience and versatility will come strongly into play. Held back by ankle issues, Charles struggled with game time last season, however her abilities do not only rely on defending as she scored a vital penalty in the 2025 Euros final, bringing the victory to England.

 

Overall, Manchester City are expected to make remaining signings, to cover for losses between the posts, as they currently have Cummings and Yamashita in the position.

 

Categories
Lionesses

Squad Announced as England begin FIFA World Cup Campaign

Photo by Aimee Reynolds

England are back in action next month as they begin their bid to secure a spot in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

In 2023, the team placed second in the competition in Australia & New Zealand, losing 1-0 to Spain in the final in Sydney and the team are out for vengeance this year.

Earlier today, a new 25-player squad was announced in lieu of the qualifying matches against both Ukraine and Iceland, with the squad as follows:

Goal Keepers:

Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse, Ellie Roebuck

Defenders:

Lucy Bronze, Jess Carter, Grace Fisk, Alex Greenwood, Taylor Hinds, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Poppy Pattinson, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy

Midfielders:

Laura Blindkilde Brown, Grace Clinton, Lucia Kendall, Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh

Forwards:

Aggie Beever-Jones, Freya Godfrey, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Jess Park, Alessia Russo

One big noticeable change sees Ellie Roebuck called up in place of Khiara Keating, the goal keeper being called up in the primary squad for the first time since October 2023, having missed out on play opportunities both due to a stroke and a lack of playing time prior to illness.

In terms of defence, Poppy Pattinson earned herself her maiden call up to the senior team, with Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood and captain Leah Williamson all returning to the side after missing out on the November/December fixtures due to injury and recovery protocol. Niamh Charles misses out through injury once more.

With just five players named in the Lionesses midfield, we see Ella Toone and Missy Bo Kearns miss out through injury. This, combined with the recent retirement of Fran Kirby leaves England with a unique midfield mix and veterans Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh likely to play alongside more inexperienced players in Laura Blindkilde Brown, Grace Clinton and Lucia Kendall – the 21-year-old earning her debut just five months ago.

England’s attack looks much the same to previous squads, with Lauren James returning to the squad for the first time since England’s triumphant summer and Beth Mead missing out through injury. Meanwhile, Freya Godfrey maintains her spot in the squad after an impressive performance against Manchester City as Sarina Wiegman looked on.

England face Ukraine in Antalya, Turkeyon Tuesday 3rd March at 17:00 GMT with the sides facing each other for the first time since 2014.

Four days later, the Lionesses return to home soil as they face Iceland for the first time since 2009 on Saturday 7th March at 12:30 GMT with the match taking place at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.

Categories
International

2025 the year of international retirements 

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Photo taken from @swewnt and @lindasembrant on instagram 

Across the year, plenty of international stars have hung up their boots for their national teams and put their hearts into their club team or alternatively retired from football altogether. 

Millie Bright: England

In October, Chelsea defender Millie Bright announced her retirement from international football after deciding to not be selected for the 2025 European Championship. She won 88 caps and captained them to a silver in the 2023 FIFA World Cup as well as representing Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. 

The defender made her debut in 2016 and also featured in the EURO 2017, 2019 World Cup and 2022 Euros. She scored on six occasions in an England shirt as well as playing all games in the 2022 and 2023 competitions respectively. 

Mary Earps: England 

In May (prior to the Euro 2025 tournament), the PSG Goalkeeper decided to retire from the England shirt to allow the younger players an opportunity to shine. Receiving 53 caps across eight years, Earps also won two FIFA Best Awards and a World Cup golden glove along with her triumph in the 2022 Euros on home soil. 

The goalkeeper made her debut in 2017 and was a figure in the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup campaign in Australia where they came second against Spain but had that iconic penalty save. 

Fran Kirby: England 

In June, Kirby announced her retirement after her decision was influenced by being told she was not going to be selected for the summer. She also felt it was the right time to leave, giving the opportunity to the younger generation. 

The experienced Brighton and Hove Albion forward had 77 appearances to her name as well as 19 goals and was included in four major tournaments. She was included in 2015 and 2019 World Cup as well as 2017 and 2022 UEFA European Championships. She made her international debut in 2014 and also represented Team GB in the Tokyo Olympics. 

Magdalena Eriksson: Sweden 

After getting 123 caps, she retired from the international side in November. She made her debut in 2014 but her tournament debut came in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio (where she won the silver medal) and represented Sweden in seven consecutive major tournaments. 

The Bayern Munich defender scored 14 goals for her country and became a two-time Olympic silver medalist (winning again in Tokyo) as well as earning two third place finishes at the World Cup in 2019 and 2023 respectively. 

Jess Fishlock: Wales 

After playing her final game against Australia, Fishlock retired from International football in October after the Euro 2025 tournament. After 19 years, she became the all-time leading appearance maker and goalscorer with 166 caps and 48 goals respectively. 

The Seattle Reign forward recently signed a new one year contract and was the first player to reach 100 caps. She made her senior debut in 2006 and was in the squad when Wales made their major tournament debut in the summer. 

Niamh Fahey: Ireland 

Following a 17 year long career, Fahey retired from International Football in January and in May announced her full retirement from football. The ex-Liverpool defensive player rose through the ranks and made 115 appearances for the girls in green. 

She made her senior debut in 2007 and scored her only goal in 2022 against Georgia. She made her 100th appearance in February 2022 and featured in all of Ireland’s games in the 2023 FIFA World Cup. 

Maren Mjelde: Norway 

In August, Mjelde retired after playing in the European Championship the previous summer making 183 appearances for Norway. The 35 year old made her senior debut in 2007 aged just 17 and after 18 years she decided to end her international career. 

She featured at nine international tournaments and also held the armband for a decade winning bronze in Euro 2009 and a silver at Euro 2013. 

Sherida Spitse: The Netherlands

The Ajax Midfielder announced her international retirement in October and played her final match against Canada. She is the most capped Dutch and European player at 248 appearances, playing across 20 years. 

She represented the Netherlands in eight major tournaments including five Euros and three World Cups, making her debut in August 2006. She won the 2017 Euros and captained her side to the World Cup final in 2019.  

Kayleigh Barton: Wales 

After playing in her first tournament during the summer, the Striker announced her retirement from football in August. She made her international debut for Wales in 2012 and scored 22 goals in the colours as well as making 89 appearances. The Striker played her last league games for Charlton Athletic in Barclays WSL2 before heading to Switzerland for her debut in a tournament. 

Linda Sembrant: Sweden 

Linda Sembrant announced her retirement in November after reaching 160 appearances for her national team, following the bronze medal match in the Nations League. The AIK Stockholm defender made her debut back in 2008 and has three bronze European Championship medals to her name (2011, 2019 and 2023) as well as a silver medal in the 2016 Olympics. 

Categories
England Women

USA thrash England U23’s 2-4 in final game of 2025

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England rounded off their 2025 internationals with a 2-4 defeat against USA at Wham Stadium in Accrington. Goals from Emeri Adames, Maddy Dahlien, Sarah Weber and Ally Sentnor secured the win for the visitors after their European trip, with Jess Simpson and Keira Barry finding goals for the hosts. 

Within the first two minutes, USA opened up the scoring from Emeri Adames inside the box. There was a loose ball from Olivia McLoughlin on the far side which found USA and Ally Sentnor crossed into the box to Sarah Weber. She then found Adames around the penalty box and her strike saw the bottom right corner. 

After the initial goal, both sides were neck and neck until the 43rd minute where from the far side of the pitch, Maddy Dahlien gave the USA a two goal cushion. Her shot was just inside the box and looped over Faye Kirby after an initial deflection from Evie Rabjohn, into the back of the net.

First Half: England 0-2 USA 

The second half was similar to the first but England halved the deficit after a free kick from Jess Simpson in the 53rd minute. Her free kick over 25 yards out on the near side missed everyone in the box and went straight into the far side of the goal. 

Just one minute after the goal, Faye Kirby was tested again after a long range shot from the USA. In the 57th minute, they found their two goal cushion again after Sarah Weber found the back of the net. Her goal was a cross from Maddy Dahlien which found the 12 yard area inside the box and her shot fizzled past Kirby into the back of the net. 

England found the back of the net and brought them back in it on the 61st minute mark after a strike from Keira Barry. Her shot from the right side outside the box found the back of the net past Purcell in the USA net which gave England another chance. 

USA comfortably scored their fourth goal of the match in the 72nd minute from Ally Sentnor. Her goal came from her own doing, running down the left wing and cutting inside and her shot just inside the box went past Kirby on the left side and went into the back of the net. 

England continued to look for another goal, with Keira Barry looking to find her second with a similar attempt like her goal but it was fired wide. England ended the last international break of the year with a defeat. 

Second Half: England 2-4 USA

Teams: 

England: 

Starting 11: Faye Kirby, Evie Rabjohn (Ward 78’), Jess Simpson, Ruby Mace ©, Gracie Prior, Teyah Goldie, Keira Barry, Lexi Potter, Izzy Goodwin (Lloyd-Smith 85’), Olivia McLoughlin (Parkinson 56’), Mia Enderby (Sarwie 78’). 

Unused Subs: Katie Cox, Natalia Negri, Sarah Brasero, Lenna Gunning-Williams, Hannah Silcock, Cerys Brown. 

Goals: Simpson (53’) and Barry (61’) 

USA: 

Starting 11: Neeku Purcell, Evelyn Shores (Jackson 83’), Jayden Perry, Eva Gaetino, Riley Jackson ©, Ally Sentnor (Tordin 83’), Maddie Dahlien (Schupansky 64’), Sarah Weber (Tiernan 63’), Abi Brighton (Lemos 64’), Ayo Oke (Thompson 46’), Emeri Adames (Lema 89’). 

Unused Subs: Elizabeth Beardsley.

Goals: Emeri Adames (2’), Maddie Dahlien (43’), Sarah Weber (57’) and Ally Sentnor (72’) 

Categories
Uncategorized

Young Lionesses Hold On for Crucial 1-0 Win Over Blunted Norway

England Lineup

Katie Cox (GK), Mari Ward, Jess Simpson, Ruby Mace (C), Gracie Prior, Teyah Goldie, Fiona Barry, Maisie Symonds, Isobel Goodwin, Erica Parkinson, Lexi Lloyd-Smith

Norway Lineup

Thrill Raekstad Erichsen (GK), Mia Authen, Emille Bragstad, Julie Aune Jorde, Kamilla Melgard, Emille Osteras, Iris Omarsdottir, Thea Kyvag, Ylinn Tennebo, Stine Brekken, Emma Braut Brunes

England Substitutions

Olivia McGlochlin, Evie Rabjon, Sarah Barsero, Chloe Sawie, Lenna Gunning Williams

Norway Substitutions

Cille Nilsen, Synne Aunehaugen, Oda Johansen, Monica Isaken

It took a couple of chances for England to get into the groove, with early chances from Erica Parkinson, Maisie Symonds and Isobel Goodwin, but none finding their way to the back of the net.  

The away side tries and gets their foot in, with a ball in from Ylinn Tennebo with nobody on the end of it and a run from Kamilla Melgard, which is closed down by Gracie Prior and shepherded out of danger. 

Lexi Lloyd Smith is able to work the ball down the left, playing it to Isobel Goodwin, heading it at an angle, sending it toward the right. This is collected by Fiona Barry and passed to Mari Ward, sending it toward the 10-yard box to be finished off by an Isobel Goodwin header. 25 minutes in its 1-0 to England. 

Isobel Goodwin steals the ball from Norwegian midfielder Stine Brekken and squares it for Erica Parkinson. She receives it but is blocked by Emma Braut Brunes. It’s the last real chance of the half, with the Lionesses going into the second half one-nil up. 

Early on in the second half, we saw back-to-back shots from Izzy Goodwin, the first one blocked by Goalkeeper Thrill Raekstad Erichsen and her second from a slide tackle by Mia Authen. 

Substitutions for England see Maisie Symonds leaving the pitch for Olivia McGlochlin, while Teyah Goldie is out for Evie Rabjon. 

Later on, we saw Lexi Lloyd Smith out for Sarah Barsero and Jess Simpson out for Chloe Sawie, getting her first cap for the under-23s debut at just 16, making her the youngest debutant for the Under-23s bracket. We also saw a triple substitution for Norway, with Kamilla Melgard out for Cille Nilsen, Stine Brekken out for Synne Aunehaugen and Emma Braut Brunes out for Oda Johansen.

With all the action near the Norwegian goal, but not many chances, another set of substitutes comes soon. With Goalscorer Isobel Goodwin leaving the pitch, being replaced by fan favourite Lenna Gunning Williams. 

Soon after, we saw the last Norwegian substitutions for the match, with Monica Isaken coming on for Julie Aune Jorde.

Soon into the 5 extra minutes, we see a ball from Sarah Barsero nearly finds Erica Parkinson in the box, a near shot for the Lionesses. 

But the final whistle goes, and it was decided in the first half, 1-0 to the Lionesses.