Keating Makes History | England Undone by Brazil
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY
Twentytwo is the weekly newsletter for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football. A five-minute read, rounding up news, fixtures, transfers, culture, grassroots events and more.
This week: England falls to Brazil, Keating makes history on her debut, and we meet the founders of League of Our Own.
++ The USA bids for the World Cup, Newcastle United shake things up at the top, and we round up the events, kit and matches that caught our eye.
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⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH
England undone by physical Brazil
Khiara Keating on her debut - PA Images, Cody Froggatt
England fell 2–1 to Brazil in their first match since winning Euro 2025 — a tough homecoming for Sarina Wiegman’s side. Missing several creative players through injury and illness, England looked short on ideas against a typically aggressive, physical Brazil. England’s lack of tactical flexibility again raised questions, as Brazil’s intensity exposed familiar weaknesses. [Highlights]
Key takeaways:
Injury-hit roster: England were without key names such as Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Leah Williamson, forcing Wiegman to experiment with her starting XI. The Maya Le Tissier right-back experiment got its chance, but (unsurprisingly) she looked far more comfortable once shifted into centre-back.
Fast start from Brazil: Brazil struck early through Bia Zaneratto (9′) and Dudinha (18′) before their captain was sent off in the 21st minute. England’s comeback chance came soon after via a penalty from Georgia Stanway (52′).
New keeper milestone: Khiara Keating made her debut and history by becoming the first Black goalkeeper to play for England Women.
Defensive concerns linger: The match highlighted England’s ongoing issues at the back — defenders looked vulnerable, and midfield cover was inconsistent. The system itself came under scrutiny for not adjusting more effectively.
Big picture: Friendly loss = no disaster. But with the World Cup not far ahead, England will need sharper execution, better rotation and more adaptability if they’re to sustain at the top.
Next up: Australia on Tuesday, 28 October, 19:00 KO.
💬 Q&A
Exclusion isn’t what football’s about — so after the FA effectively banned trans women from playing, Josie Gray and Joanna Holmgren launched League of Our Own.
How did the idea for this come about? When the FA announced the ban, we found it very difficult to play in leagues and set-ups that didn’t reflect our values and excluded people we’d previously played with. So we decided to create our own, non-FA affiliated space to provide our friends, teammates and the wider football community with a space to play football, regardless of their background or identity.
What’s the big vision? A community-minded football league that reflected values of inclusivity, compassion and support. It’s a huge learning curve but the support we’ve had has been incredible, and we now have a waiting list of 30 teams who are interested in future leagues. This is just the beginning.
🚨ICYMI
Top Headlines
🌎 USA, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica have launched a joint bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. If selected, the bid promises 48 teams across four countries, world-class venues, athlete-focused facilities, and reinvestment in women’s football development. FIFA will decide in April 2026.
🦢 Becky Langley’s six-year spell with Newcastle United Women has come to an end after guiding the club to two promotions and into the professional ranks. Claire Ditchburn was appointed interim manager as Newcastle look to steady the ship after a rocky start to their WSL2 season.
🦁 England U19s kept pace in EURO qualifying with emphatic wins over Estonia (6-0) and Greece (4-0). Goals from Lauryn Thompson, Erica Parkinson and captain Rachel Maltby secured top spot in their group.
🤰 US Soccer is developing new pregnancy and postpartum protocols that would guarantee full pay, medical support and flexible returns for players across the USWNT and NWSL. The draft policies are being finalised with player input — a key step toward better protection and equity for athletes.
⚽️ The U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco has reached the knockout rounds, with heavyweights Spain, France, USA and Japan all advancing alongside hosts Morocco. The first edition held in Africa has already delivered drama — and a few surprise scorelines.
🏆 Jess Park (Man United), Andrée Jeglertz (Manchester City) and Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa) took WSL Player, Manager and Goal of the Month for October. WSL2 honours went to Jodie Hutton (Charlton), Simon Parker (Southampton) and Vicky Losada (Bristol City).
🦁 Lucy Bronze has won England Women’s Player of the Year for continued excellence in defence and leadership. The annual award is given by the Football Association, recognising the country’s best player across all levels and competitions.
🌍 Barbra Banda (Zambia) and Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi) lead the CAF Women’s Player of the Year shortlist, recognised for their outstanding NWSL and international performances. They’re joined by the likes of Esther Okoronkwo and Rachael Kundananji. The winner will be announced later this year.
👀 The FIFPro Women’s World XI shortlist has been revealed, and no USWNT players have been selected for the second consecutive year. It’s not the only controversial omission… “Where is Caldentey?” dominates the social comments.
📚 WHAT WE’RE READING
Female footballers in north Nigeria defy cultural barriers with resilience – Aljazeera
Carter: I'm excited to play against the best in the world – FIFA
Kerstin Casparij: Being gay didn't feel normal, until I became a footballer – The BBC
Lionesses learn little on the first lap of their post-Euros victory parade – The Observer
Wales face up to challenge of life after Fishlock – The BBC
👀 FAVE FINDS
Big congrats to Lynn (Williams) Biyendolo and her husband, Marley, who’ve announced they’re expecting their first child. The Seattle Reign and USWNT star shared the news on Instagram this week – and yes, we’re already picturing another future baller in the making.
🇺🇸 NWSL PLAYOFFS 2025
It’s that time of the year when UK football fans scratch their heads and try to get on board with the NWSL Playoffs. There’s one game left in the NWSL regular season, but the top eight spots are already locked in, with Kansas City Current crowned regular-season winners. Unlike the WSL, finishing top isn’t the main event. The real prize comes through the postseason, where the best eight teams face off in a straight knockout to decide the champions. Cue head scratching.
Quarter-finals run 7–9 November, followed by semis on 14–16 November and the Championship Final on 22 November. It’s single-match eliminations, so every fixture feels like a final.
Defending champs Orlando Pride lead the chase alongside Gotham FC, Portland Thorns, and San Diego Wave — expect drama, late goals and a bit of chaos. More info here
📺 UK fans can watch select games live and free on NWSL+
👟 KIT DROP
There’s something about a Mitre design that just feels like proper football, and their new ball for the Adobe Women’s FA Cup is no different. The new fluorescent “Vibe Lime” finish nods to the energy of the women’s game, while Hyperflow tech keeps it slick under the lights. Big fans of this partnership.
Take a closer look
Adidas have dipped into the archives to bring back Arsenal’s 1992–94 home shirt, and even we’ll admit this one’s hard to resist. All bold red, white sleeves and that classic early-90s collar — a proper bit of nostalgia. We joke about how much merch Arsenal drop, but this is the kind that makes you want to part with your cash. Take a look at the reissued 92–94 Arsenal shirt
Nike x Martine Rose is back at the end of the month, blending sharp tailoring and 90s football references in a way only she can. Dropping on 30 October, the collection riffs on old-school Arsenal styling — all clean lines, deep navy and pinstripe detail. Smart, wearable, and perfectly pitched between sport and style.
Explore the Nike x Martine Rose collection
🩼 ACL + INJURY UPDATES
The ACL and knee injuries just keep coming. Spurs confirmed that Maite Oroz has ruptured her ACL in training, ruling her out for the rest of the season before she’s even had the chance to really get going in North London.
Even tougher news from Germany, where Lena Oberdorf has torn her ACL again — just months after making her return from the same injury. One of Europe’s most dynamic midfielders is facing another long road back.
In good(ish) news, Arsenal’s Olivia Smith’s injury, sustained while on international duty with Canada, is not as serious as first thought. It has been confirmed as a hip injury, and she has returned to her home club for further assessment.
🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA
Upcoming Events
🏴 🇦🇺 Baller FC screenings: England vs Australia
Tuesday 28 October, Doors 18:00, KO 19:00
Signature Brew Blackhorse Road, London E17 5QJ
More info
Baller FC Presents: WSL Sundays
Every Sunday, no matter the game, Baller FC will be hosting screenings at their regular spot, Signature Brew Haggeston, 12:00 Kickoffs. As well as the football expect creative workshops and crafts from different friends of ballers.
More info here
London Football Book Market
Brixton Library, Saturday 15 November, 12:00-17:00
A showcase of independent authors, magazines, publishers, illustrators, photographers and other creatives selling their football-related wares.
Free entry – tickets here
Women’s Football Fair 2 | Sunday 30 November
Whether you're a player, fan, or simply curious, this is the perfect day to celebrate the power and passion of the women's game.
Hockley Social Club,60 Hampton St, Birmingham B19 3LU
£5 Early Bird / £10 General Admission Tickets – Get yours here
Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up
📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST
What We’re Watching
Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)
Monday, 27 October
Women's Youth International
England U23 v Portugal U23 (19:00, England YouTube]
Tuesday, 28 October
FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Round of 16
USA U17 v Netherlands U17 (15:30, FIFA+)
UEFA Women's Nations League First Qualifying Round Second Leg
Iceland vs Northern Ireland (18:00, BBC iPlayer)
International Friendlies:
England vs Australia (19:00, ITV4, ITVX)
Scotland vs Switzerland (19:30, BBC Alba, iPlayer)
Wales vs Poland (19:45, BBC One Wales, iPlayer)
Wednesday 29 October
FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Round of 16
Spain Women U17 v France Women U17 (15:30, FIFA+)
Saturday 1 November
WSL
Chelsea vs London City Lionesses (12:00, Sky Sports)
Manchester City vs West Ham United (12:00, Sky Sports)
FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Quarter-Final
15:30 and 19:00 KOs
Sunday 2 November
WSL
Aston Villa vs Everton (12:00, BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports)
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Manchester United (12:00, Sky Sports)
Leicester City vs Arsenal (12:00, Sky Sports)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool (12:00, Sky Sports, WSL YouTube)
FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Quarter-Final
15:30 and 19:00 KOs
See you next week!
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