WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY

IN THIS WEEK’S ROUND-UP...

• Results: UEFA Nations League & FA Cup Final Confirmed.

• Latest headlines: Cushing set to stay? Olympic women’s football expands.

• Kit drop: Umbro cool.

• What we’re watching: Our pick of the week’s upcoming matches.

• Jobs: New opportunities in football.

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⚽ WOMEN’S FA CUP

Chelsea late drama while United dominates derby

• Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool (Highlights)
  Chelsea booked their spot in the FA Cup final with a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool. Aggie Beever-Jones sealed the victory with a stoppage-time header after Erin Cuthbert cancelled out Olivia Smith’s opener (what a goal that was, by the way). The Blues are chasing a quadruple and will face Manchester United at Wembley.

• Manchester City 0-2 Manchester United (Highlights)
  Manchester United overcame Manchester City 2-0 in the semi-final, with Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton scoring early to secure the win. Phallon Tullis-Joyce was outstanding in goal, keeping City at bay as United set up a repeat of the 2023 final against Chelsea.

Final: Chelsea vs Manchester United - 18 May KO TBD

🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

• Nick Cushing Could Stay as Man City Boss
  Manchester City Women’s director of football, Therese Sjogran, hasn’t ruled out interim head coach Nick Cushing staying on beyond this season. Cushing, who returned to City after Gareth Taylor’s dismissal, has impressed with his attacking style and familiarity with the squad. Full story.

• WSL April Honours: Slegers, Martinez, Daly Shine
  Arsenal boss Renee Slegers won Manager of the Month, West Ham’s Shekiera Martinez claimed Player of the Month after scoring three goals, and Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly took Goal of the Month for her volley against Man City. Full details.

• England U19s Dominate EURO Qualifiers
  England U19s finished their EURO qualifiers with a stunning 10-0 win over Ukraine. Lauren Smith's squad had already secured top spot and qualification for this summer's Finals in Poland after earlier wins over Belgium (6-0) and Austria (5-1). The Young Lionesses head to the tournament unbeaten and full of confidence. Match report.

• Melissa Andreatta Named Scotland Women’s Head Coach
  Australia assistant coach Melissa Andreatta will take over as Scotland Women’s manager in May, replacing Pedro Martinez Losa. Tasked with rebuilding the squad after failing to qualify for Euro 2025, Andreatta brings experience from the Matildas and the Women’s World Cup. Her first challenge? A Nations League clash with Austria. Full story.

AWAY

• NWSL Eyes 32 Teams
  The NWSL is set to expand to 32 teams, matching the NFL’s size. With Boston and Denver joining in 2026, Commissioner Jessica Berman says the league is tapping into growing talent and investment. Read more.

• NWSL to Play Through 2026 Men's World Cup
  The NWSL will keep playing during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, despite potential venue conflicts in host cities like Boston and Seattle. Commissioner Berman says, “everything’s on the table” to manage scheduling. Learn more.

• Sherida Spitse Sets European Record
  Dutch legend Sherida Spitse became Europe’s most-capped footballer (men’s or women’s) with 241 appearances, overtaking Sweden’s Caroline Seger. The Ajax midfielder debuted in 2006 and remains a key figure for Oranje. Read more.

• Women’s Football expanded for LA 2028 Olympics
  Women’s football teams at LA 2028 will increase to 16 (up from 12), while men’s squads drop to 12. The International Olympic Committee cited growing global support for women’s football as a key factor. Find out more.

• Fortuna Sittard Axes Women’s Team
  Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen club Fortuna Sittard will shut down its women’s team at the season's end due to financial struggles. Despite a KNVB Cup final appearance in 2024 and a third-place finish in 2022/23, the club says it can no longer sustain the project, highlighting wider challenges in women’s football. Read more.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

→ Would a 48-team Women's World Cup be good for the game?

→ Phallon Tullis-Joyce: Man Utd Women and USA Women goalkeeper on her season of learning

⚽ UEFA WOMEN’S NATIONS LEAGUE

England Women’s International Break: Key Takeaways

Belgium 3-2 England (Highlights)

We saw two very different sides of the same coin as England took on Belgium in the second of their back-to-back Nations League games this week.

• Defensive Concerns Grow: England’s defence was exposed in the 3-2 loss to Belgium, conceding three goals in the first 30 minutes. Millie Bright and Niamh Charles struggled, forcing Sarina Wiegman into halftime changes. This inconsistency at the back raises questions ahead of tougher Nations League fixtures.

• Injuries Are Taking Their Toll: Injuries to Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Alex Greenwood left England lacking sharpness in key areas. Nikita Parris and others couldn’t fill the void, highlighting a reliance on first-choice players to deliver results.

• Agyemang’s Dream Debut: 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang provided a rare bright spot, scoring a stunning volley just seconds into her senior debut. The Arsenal loanee showed glimpses of promise amidst England’s disappointing team performance.

• Mixed Results Reflect Inconsistency: England followed up their dominant 5-0 win over Belgium with a disjointed display in Leuven. The loss drops them to second in their Nations League group behind Spain, with work to do to secure qualification.

How did the other UK nations do?:

• Northern Ireland 1-0 Romania

• Sweden 1-1 Wales (Highlights)

• Germany 6-1 Scotland (Highlights)

Final group matches: 30 May and 3 June

👀 FAVE FINDS

Caroline Weir’s Story in Galáctica
The Scottish FA’s documentary Galáctica follows Caroline Weir’s journey from Dunfermline to football stardom at Real Madrid. Featuring interviews with her family, former teammates, and Weir herself, it’s an inspiring look at her resilience, talent, and rise as one of Scotland’s finest players. Watch it here.

Beyond the Final Whistle by Vasilis Kostakis
This book explores football’s role in global politics, examining how the sport influences—and is influenced by—power dynamics worldwide. It’s a thought-provoking read for fans interested in the intersection of football and society. Find it here.

👟 KIT DROP

FOUND’s Football Capsule Brings Style and Story
FOUND has unveiled a six-piece collection that merges football nostalgia with South Asian heritage. The standout ‘Multi Language LS Jersey’ reimagines crests from iconic clubs like Bayern Munich and Schalke 04, while the tri-colour ‘Pine and Rose’ track jacket adds bold retro vibes. The designs reflect the intersection of sport, culture, and identity, offering a fresh take on football-inspired fashion. Available now

Umbro x Carnan Channel Brazilian Superstition
Umbro has teamed up with Brazilian streetwear label Carnan for the "Efeito Amuleto" collection, blending football culture with the power of superstition. The standout piece is a bold jersey featuring a hand-drawn talisman symbol, designed to bring good fortune on and off the pitch. The collection also includes tees and jackets that tie into Brazil’s rich footballing heritage. 

Washington Spirit x Dead Dirt Cherry Blossom Capsule
The Washington Spirit and Dead Dirt are back with their latest Cherry Blossom Capsule, celebrating D.C.’s iconic springtime tradition. Designed by Creative Director Domo Wells, the collection draws from late ‘90s and early 2000s D.C. streetwear, with standout pieces like the pastel pink jersey and matching outerwear. Fans can shop the capsule exclusively at Audi Field during the Spirit’s home game against Gotham FC on April 26. Also available online now.

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Women’s Super League
Tuesday 15 April
19:30 - Arsenal vs Leicester City [Sky Sports]

Saturday 19 April
12:00 - West Ham United vs Manchester United [Sky Sports]
12:30 - Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool [WSL YouTube]

Sunday 20 April
13:00 - Manchester City vs Everton [WSL YouTube]
14:00 - Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa [WSL YouTube]

Women's Champions League Semi-Final 1st Leg
Saturday 19 April
12:30 - Arsenal vs Lyon [TNT Sports 1, DAZN]

Sunday 20 April
17:00 - Barcelona vs Chelsea [TNT Sports 2 & 7, DAZN]

All kick-off times are BST

📂 JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

More Women Working in Football

• Procurement Analyst - FTC until July 2028 | The Football Association | Apply by 21 April

• Technical Scout Internship | Burnley Football Club | Apply by 21 April

• Football Administration Coordinator | Manchester City FC | Apply by 22 April

• Bid Team Coordinator - FIFA Women's World Cup 2035 | The Football Association | Apply by 22 April

• Head of Women's Academy | Leicester City FC | Apply by 30 April

More women watching, playing and working in football