Women’s football in England is becoming more competitive than ever. Several teams have improved their squads for the current season, not only with excellent players but with World Cup winners. Players at the top of their game that, should they perform, will help, along with the current talent, take the women’s game to a height not seen before. Fans of the Women’s Super League could be about to see the most competitive season the women’s game has seen.
Women’s Football More Competitive Than Ever in England
World Cup Winners are Here
It came as a surprise when several World Cup winners made the move to the Women’s Super League. From the USA’s 2019 tournament winning squad, Alex Morgan, Sam Mewis, Rose Lavelle, Tobin Heath and Christen Press have arrived.
Mews and Lavelle have joined Manchester City, Heath and Press have joined Manchester United and Alex Morgan, a player with over 100 goals for her country and an icon in women’s football has moved to Tottenham. Having the likes of Morgan in the English game can only help it grow to new heights.
Although these players are new to England, they are winners and will be chasing honours once more. The signings of players of such quality can only improve the English game plus give it another profile boost.
Stars Return to England Plus World Transfer Record Broken
Several internationals have returned to England after spending time abroad. England internationals Lucy Bronze and Alex Greenwood have joined Manchester City. Both players have joined from Lyon after a highly successful time in France. Bronze won three successive Champions League titles plus the League title. Greenwood, during her year-long stay, won the Champions League and League title.
England international Rachel Daly has returned to her home country after eight years. She has joined West Ham on loan until the end of the year. Another international, Jess Fishlock, Wales’ most capped player, has also moved back on loan with Reading acquiring her services.
The summer also saw the world record transfer fee broken. Chelsea signed the captain of Denmark Pernille Harder for a fee of around £250,000 from Wolfsburg. However, the official fee is undisclosed, but Wolfsburg Women’s sports director Ralf Kellermann described it as “a record transfer fee in women’s football.”
Speaking after her move was completed, Harder said:
“I’m excited to just play for such a big club, to play with so many amazing players and to also be playing in the league [Women’s Super League]. The English league, it’s so exciting at the moment and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Big Three May not Have it all Their own way
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have battled it out for several seasons at the top without much competition from the rest. Even though they have strengthened, others have too, with at least two other clubs making a sign of intent. The big three of the Women’s Super League are expected to be top of the pile once again; however, they may not have it as easy as they have done.
Manchester United have signed two World Cup winners in Tobin Heath and Christen Press and neither are here to make up the numbers. Both players will be looking to have an impact and help United challenge for trophies. Press said upon signing:
“I’m really excited to be joining Manchester United this season. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to play for such an elite club and beyond ready to get back on the field. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue to strive to be my best and to compete for trophies this year. I look forward to this new challenge and I can’t wait to start training with the team.”
Alex Morgan to Tottenham Could be the Deal of the Summer
Tottenham may have completed the biggest swoop of the summer with the signing of USA legend Alex Morgan. The soccer icon with over a century of goals for the USA has been named in the FIFPro World XI on three occasions. Her arrival will not only help Spurs on the pitch but also off it. Morgan currently has more Instagram follows than her new club, Pele and even the Royal Family, summing up the fame and, therefore, viewership that she will bring to the Women’s Super League. Morgan is the equivalent to Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo in the women’s game.
Homegrown Talent Must be Given a Chance in Women’s Football Alongside High Profile Signings
The arrival of several World Cup superstars is undoubtedly great for the women’s game in England. However, even though these signings will raise the profile of the women’s game, bring in extra revenue and improve the league, homegrown talent must still be given a chance. Hopefully alongside these great players.
Former England international forward Sue Smith hopes the balance is kept right between bringing World Cup winners to the WSL and developing homegrown talent. Speaking to Sky Sports recently, Smith said:
“It’s positive for the WSL in the fact that the profile is going to be around the world, people are going to want to watch the games because of these players coming in.
“These are World Cup winners, absolute household names, but you just need to get the balance right. You don’t want to stop the opportunities for young players coming through.
“The whole point of this league is to make sure the national team is successful. “It’s great to see the players coming over but we just need to get that balance right.”
The future looks bright for the women’s game and should the new recruits work out, women’s football in England could become bigger much faster than many thought.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
