Chelsea s England eyes changing of the guard in Champions League final
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14/05/2021 - 04:56 Chelsea striker Bethany England (centre) believes English clubs can become a dominant force in the women s Champions League ANDREW COULDRIDGE POOL/AFP/File 4 min
London (AFP)
Chelsea striker Beth England believes beating Barcelona to win the women s Champions League on Sunday could open the door for English clubs to regularly conquer Europe.
Only one English side, Arsenal in 2007, have ever been crowned European champions of the women s game, but the grip once enjoyed by French and German clubs has been loosened by greater investment from the Premier League and La Liga giants.
SHE KICKS A BEAT WITH (special): Fran Kirby (Chelsea/England)
SHE KICKS A BEAT WITH (special): Fran Kirby (Chelsea/England)
SHE KICKS’ CHRIS BROOKES KICKS A BEAT WITH… FRAN KIRBY
While overwhelming positives in 2020 were in scarce supply, the year did ultimately restore a prime talent and one of women’s football’s most universally popular players to the pitch. The sight of Fran Kirby wheeling away in joy after scoring has that warm, ‘favourite old song’ feel.
So, while we celebrate the England and Chelsea star’s storming return of late, she joins us for this ‘She Kicks a Beat’ special…
The timing was crucial - How Sam Kerr s opener saw Chelsea past rivals Spurs in WSL
Kerr became the first WSL player to hit 20 goals this season but it was the timing of her first against Spurs that proved decisive
BARNET, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Sam Kerr of Chelsea celebrates with Erin Cuthbert after scoring their team s second goal during the Barclays FA Women s Super League match between Tottenham Hotspur Women and Chelsea Women at The Hive on May 05, 2021 in Barnet, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
CHELSEA boss Emma Hayes wants to see solidarity and loyalty from her team tomorrow as they bid to retain the Women’s Super League title, deploying an unusual avian analogy to drive home her point.
The Blues, two points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the table, host Reading in the final round of WSL fixtures.
At a press conference ahead of the game, Hayes was asked what about her current group had put them so close to retaining the title.
The 44-year-old cited their experience and strength in depth, then spoke about Beth England, the 2019-20 PFA women’s player of the year, saying it was “a testament to the squad” how they had fared despite the striker’s challenging season.
In five back-to-back golden boot-winning seasons in the US and Australia (2017-18 and 2018â19 in the W-League and 2017, 2018 and 2019 in the NWSL) Kerr broke the records for the most goals scored in a season for both leagues, 18 in the US and 16 in Australia.
âSheâs a delight to coach and Iâve figured out the strategies that work best with her,â said the Chelsea manager, Emma Hayes. âWhen itâs your season things go for you in the same way it did for Beth [England] last year and I think the ball is falling to her. Sheâs taking responsibility for the team, which I think is important, sheâs doing it again and again. I feel a bit bad not leaving her on to get her hat-trick but weâve got other games to prepare for and I didnât want to take any risks this evening.â