Bethany England is on the verge of becoming a British record for a domestic transfer, but analysing the move from all parties shows it is a deal that makes sense.
Tottenham are close to signing the Chelsea striker in a deal worth a reported £250,000 surpassing Lauren James’ £200,000 move from Manchester United to Chelsea in 2021. England is expected to complete the move when the transfer window opens next week.
Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui breaks down what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest transfers in Women’s Super League history.
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Tottenham’s perspective
Image: England was the fourth highest English scorer in WSL last season behind Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo
Tottenham’s season needs a spark and a high-profile No 9 is the flashiest way to do so.
Spurs’ form in recent weeks has been sub-par, they’re on a four-game WSL losing streak and haven’t scored a single goal during that period.
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They’ve only scored 11 goals in the league all season and eight of them came in the game against a Brighton side that went on to change their manager.
Speaking to Tottenham head coach Rehanne Skinner before the season, the club was optimistic it could improve on its fifth-place finish last season mainly thanks to addressing the issue of squad depth in the summer.
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Highlights of the Women’s Super League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton
Now Spurs need a star to hitch their hopes to and England fits the bill.
Don’t be fooled by the reported £250,000 price tag. Most of that won’t be paid up-front and the figure is the maximum the deal can be worth after performance bonuses.
The transfer market in women’s football is evolving fast, soon a quarter-of-a-million pounds for a Euros-winning striker won’t seem much at all.
Chelsea’s perspective
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One of England’s two WSL goals this season came in the 8-0 demolition of Leicester
It may seem surprising for a club chasing the title and European glory to sell a proven goalscorer midway through the season, but question Chelsea’s transfer strategy at your peril.
Chelsea are top of the league and on a nine-game winning run while averaging more than three goals a game.
England, however, has scored just twice, with the goals coming against the division’s bottom two clubs during comprehensive victories.
Emma Hayes has been vocal about England’s ability and development during her time at Chelsea but will not want to stand in the way of her wishes.
England averaged 1.14 direct goal contributions every 90 minutes last season during Chelsea’s WSL-winning season, hence Chelsea’s seemingly high asking price.
Tottenham are willing to pay it and knowing Chelsea, they’ll already have a replacement in mind.
England’s perspective
Image: England and Chelsea team-mate Jess Carter were part of the Lionesses squad that won the Euros in the summer
It’s time for Bethany England to be a leading No 9 in the WSL.
The striker averages a goal every 107.5 minutes in the league since 2018, one of the best ratios in the country.
But the form of Sam Kerr, Pernille Harder, Fran Kirby and now Lauren James has seen her struggle for starts at Chelsea.
To make matters worse, England has lost her place in the Lionesses squad with Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly and Ebony Salmon all playing as the main striker during the last few games.
At 28, England is now an experienced player that knows how to win on the biggest stage.
By paying a record fee for a British player, Tottenham have shown they believe she’s the forward to take them to the next stage.
England will hope the move will do the same for her too.
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