Tottenham Hotspur captain Bethany England says fans can expect to see a much more aggressive team this year – with improved results.
Spurs clocked their lowest-ever Women’s Super League finish last season, ending up second from bottom, with 20 points from their 22 matches. They won just five matches, with all of those victories coming before the end of January.
Manager Robert Vilahamn has since departed the club, replaced by Martin Ho – and England says that although the squad may not have been entirely revamped, the mindset is different.
“I think Martin wants the aggression, we have to be better at being in teams’ faces,” she said to Hayters TV after their 4-3 pre-season win over Arsenal, in which she scored two goals.
“I think we were probably a bit too soft in previous seasons.
“You’re going to see a much more aggressive side and hopefully it will pay off like it did against Arsenal.”
She also said: “I know it’s the same group of players, but we’re starting from a fresh position. Every season there is a new way to impact the season differently. I think we’re in a very different position now to what we were last year.
“I think what we did our best over the few years with the previous manager, we made history by getting to an FA Cup final and no one can take that from us, but we’re in a new change now and hopefully it’s going to be a lot more exciting.
“Fans are going to see a much better performance from the team next season.”
Bethany England: We want the crowds in
England is also hopeful that there will be more fans to see it. She was part of the Lionesses’ squad that won Euro 2022, and although she missed out this time round as they defended their title, beating Spain on penalties in the final, she is confident that the success will attract more fans to the domestic game.
“I think what the Lionesses have achieved again to win it a second time is phenomenal. I’m so proud of every one of them because they’re heightening women’s football, not just in this country but globally.” she said.
“That’s the step forward that we want. We want to push more women’s games, we want to push more attendances, more TV fixtures, we welcome it with open arms, we want the crowds in, we want the support.
“Just to be able to be that role model and pioneer for young girls going forward means the most to us.”
