See Lionesses in WSL action after their World Cup heroics

Thursday 09 Jul 2015
England celebrate their World Cup quarter final victory over Canada
England’s brave Lionesses captured the imagination of the nation as they won bronze at the FIFA World Cup in Canada.

Despite the time difference, millions watched on television in the early hours of Thursday morning as Mark Sampson’s team were defeated 2-1 by holders Japan in the Semi-Final.

They showed their character by bouncing back from that setback in style, recording a first-ever victory over Germany to secure third spot at the showpiece, and now you have the opportunity to see our bronze medallists as the Women’s Super League with BT Sport season resumes on 11 July.

England

The England Women's squad will be back from Canada to resume the WSL next week

And there are chances aplenty to see England’s newest sporting heroes in action right across the country.

The spine of WSL 1 leaders and SSE Women’s FA Cup finalists Chelsea is made up by left-back Claire Rafferty, midfield stalwart Katie Chapman and swift striker Eniola Aluko.

Rafferty has featured in five of England’s six World Cup matches so far and is a mainstay of the super-solid Chelsea backline that have conceded just two league goals so far this term. 

Chapman has won 90 England caps and patrols the Chelsea midfield with aplomb, while Aluko, with 32 goals in 93 international matches, is a real livewire up front.

Chelsea’s SSE Women’s FA Cup final opponents at Wembley Stadium on August 1 will be Notts County, who boast four Lionesses in their squad.

Goalkeeper Carly Telford is protected by 21-year-old Alex Greenwood and Laura Bassett in defence, while at the other end of the field, Notts County’s attack, spearheaded by Ellen White, is the most potent in the top flight.

Manchester City's Academy Stadium is home to more England stars than anywhere else, with five players, including captain Steph Houghton, plying their trade for the Blues.

Steph Houghton (right) and Laura Bassett share a laugh in Canada

Steph Houghton and Laura Bassett play for Manchester City and Notts County respectively

Shot-stopper Karen Bardsley, who won her 50th international cap in the semi-final, is safe in the knowledge that Houghton and one of England’s star performers at the World Cup, Lucy Bronze, form half of the City back four. Jill Scott, closing in on a century of England caps, is a work-horse in the midfield and Toni Duggan is an expert finisher up front.

England’s most capped player Fara Williams has scored three during the World Cup campaign and is bidding to help Liverpool secure a third WSL 1 title in a row this term.

However, Arsenal are one of the main obstacles in Liverpool’s way and sit in second spot with England stars dotted throughout their line-up.

Goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain, who came off the bench during England’s memorable quarter-final win over Canada, played every minute of every game at Bristol Academy, before signing for Arsenal at the beginning of the season. 

Vastly-experienced pair Alex Scott and Casey Stoney have been pivotal to ensuring unbeaten Arsenal have conceded just three goals in six games so far this term, while Jordan Nobbs and Lianne Sanderson are free to sprinkle their magic higher up the field. 

Alex Scott in action for England

England veteran Alex Scott is a regular in the Arsenal defence

Such is the competitive nature of WSL 1 Birmingham City, with three of England’s finest among their number, are currently seventh in the table and without a win.

But Karen Carney, who scored twice in the group stages, will be tasked with helping her club’s league position improve. And she will be relying on the grit of from midfielders Jade Moore and Jo Potter to free her up to do what she does best at the top end of the pitch.

Fran Kirby, or England’s "mini Messi" as she was dubbed by Sampson, is the sole England representative playing in WSL 2. The 22-year-old has been prolific over the last two seasons for Reading and hit the third goal of her short England career in the vital group stage win over Mexico.

The next FA Women’s Super League home matches, where you can see our Lionesses play, are:-

Reading Women v Durham Women - 6pm, 11 July
Chelsea Ladies v Bristol Academy - 2pm, 12 July 
Manchester City Women v Birmingham City Ladies - 2pm, 12 July
Arsenal Ladies v Liverpool Ladies - 6pm, 12 July
Liverpool Ladies v Notts County Ladies - 2pm, 18 July
Birmingham City v Arsenal Ladies -  2pm, 19 July
Notts County v Birmingham City - 7.30pm, 22 July

For all fixtures and match info, visit FAWSL.com and Tickets to all FA WSL matches can be bought here.

Unsure where your nearest FA WSL club is? Find out here.

By FA Staff