There will be no love lost for Bethany England when Tottenham Hotspur take on title-challenging Manchester United and a number of her fellow Euro2022 victors in the Women’s Super League on Saturday.
The fixture will mark the first time the two sides will meet in the league this season after the first match was re-arranged earlier in the season. Saturday will also mark the new striker’s first opportunity to play under the lights of the 62,850-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
United currently sit second in the WSL, 20 points higher than Spurs who sit ninth on nine points. But England, who was omitted from Sarina Wiegman's most recent Lionesses squad for the upcoming Arnold Clark Cup, has insisted that Marc Skinner's side are not “unbeatable” and is anticipating a good showdown on Saturday.
“They’re having a great run this season," England told Spurs’ website. "You can see they’re solid from back to front but there are weaknesses like there are in every team. They’re not unbeatable, but they’ve got an amazing goalkeeper in Mary Earps.
"Their defence has strengthened, so it’s going to be a tough team to play against. They’ve got a lot of pace and skill in midfield as well. As long as we can nullify their main threats, which won’t be easy on such a big pitch, I hope we can implement the game plan to perfection.”
United’s ranks brim with international calibre players, and England has said she’s relishing the chance to come face to face with some familiar faces in fellow Euro2022 winners Nikita Parris, Ella Toone, and Alessia Russo.
"It’s always nice to see your international teammates as you don’t get to see them much throughout the year, being on opposite teams," England said. "It will be nice to catch up with the girls, hopefully after they’re not on the winning team!
"There are no friends in football when you cross the line for 90 minutes, but after that it’s all love."
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will become the latest venue from the men’s set-up to host a women’s league fixture in a season dominated by record crowds. And England lauded the decision as another positive step forward for women’s football in England.
"It’s a beautiful stadium," England said. "It’s quite overwhelming when you walk out the tunnel. The structure of it is amazing. If we’ve got a big crowd cheering us on, I’m hopeful we’ll give a really good game. I know United are going to bring it to us so we’ve got to give it back. It’s a great move for women’s football to sell so many tickets in a stadium of that calibre."
Spurs kick-off against Manchester United at 12pm on Sunday.
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