The five-minute read for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football.

This week: England's World Cup hopes took a hit, Putellas agreed terms to join the WSL, and Katie McCabe's badge tap melted minds. Plus: a Chelsea kit we're not convinced by.

– Jo, founder of Twentytwo

Spain 4-0 England [Highlights]

England just needed a point in Majorca. Instead they got their biggest defeat in 17 years and a huge reality check.

What happened?
Spain were better in every area of the pitch from the off. Patricia Guijarro opened the scoring, Putellas added two either side of half-time, Pina finished things off with the fourth. England didn't register a single shot on target. By stoppage time, Spain were showboating.

What everyone's saying
Most pundits are landing in the same place: Wiegman got the tactics wrong. England only needed a draw but set up to win, playing a high line against the world's best, and it backfired big time. There's no suggestion of a crisis (this squad has shown real character in tough moments) but there are problems to solve all over the pitch, several of its most important players are on the wrong side of 30, and Brazil is only twelve months away.

What it means

🇪🇸 Alexia Putellas has agreed personal terms with London City — one of the biggest signings in WSL history if confirmed. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner left Barcelona last month after 14 years, and is understood to have chosen London City's project over interest from PSG and several NWSL clubs. More in Inside Track below. Read more

🏠 Airbnb has launched a £1 million player accommodation fund with the WSL — players moving clubs in the WSL or WSL2 can apply for up to $2,000 in Airbnb credit to cover short-term housing when they sign for a new club. The fund runs across every transfer window for the next three years. Read more

🔬 FIFA has launched a female-specific health and performance platform, with 30 online modules covering topics including menstrual health, nutrition and injury prevention — available to all 211 member associations. The stat behind it: only 6% of sports science research has ever focused exclusively on female athletes. Read more

🏟️ The FAI's bid to host the 2029 Champions League final in Dublin has received Irish government backing. The Aviva Stadium is the proposed venue and the bid deadline is 10 June, with Wales, France and Switzerland also in the running. Read more

🗂️ The FA has confirmed Women's Football Pyramid club allocations for 2026-27, covering Tiers 1 to 6. The full list is downloadable if you want to know where your club is playing next season. Read more

→ Anger at Katie McCabe’s move to Chelsea is forgivable – crossing line into abuse is not – via The Guardian

→ Soccer and fashion: Blurring the line between sportswear, streetwear and luxury culture – The Athletic

The summer window doesn't open until 15 June, but there have already been some huge moves and even bigger rumours circulating — with McCabe and Putellas right in the middle of it.

→ Chelsea: Katie McCabe has joined on a free transfer from Arsenal — three-year contract with the option of a fourth year. The Republic of Ireland captain made 305 appearances across 11 years at Arsenal, winning the WSL in 2019 and the Champions League in 2025. Her badge-tap celebration after signing went viral among Arsenal fans, and not in a good way.

→ London City: Alexia Putellas has agreed personal terms. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner left Barcelona after 14 years and is understood to have turned down PSG and several NWSL clubs to join Michele Kang's project. London City also appear close to signing Mary Earps and Mapi León on free transfers — if all three arrive, it would be one of the most extraordinary transfer windows any WSL club has ever had.

→ Tottenham: Kirsty Hanson is set to join from Villa — bid accepted, personal terms being finalised. Third-highest WSL scorer last season with 12 goals, Villa's player of the year, goal of the season. A big loss for Villa and a statement signing for Spurs, who have also moved for Victoria Pelova on a free from Arsenal. The Dutch midfielder spent most of last season recovering from an ACL and will be looking to rediscover her best under Martin Ho.

→ Manchester United: Two NWSL bids already in for Melvine Malard, with UWCL clubs watching too. The France forward had her best season yet — 10 goals, 10 assists across all competitions — and is entering the final year of her contract. United will not want to lose her.

→ Chelsea (outgoing): Johanna Rytting Kaneryd is understood to be leaving despite a year left on her contract. A difficult season through injury — open to moves inside and outside England.

Chelsea's new 2026/27 home kit dropped this week — and we'll just come out and say it: it's hard to find much to love about this one. Some will say it's classic, simple, back to Chelsea's roots. We'd say it's forgettable and bland, and not as bold as the 'Can't tame us' launch campaign had hoped. Hard to give it higher than a 4/10. Available now

England vs Ukraine — World Cup Qualifier
9 June, 20:00 · Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool

The Lionesses' final qualifier before the play-offs — and the first senior England game at Everton's new ground. If you can get there, this is worth it. Tickets still available

Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up

Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)

Internationals: World Cup 2027 Qualifiers

Tuesday 9 June

👀 We went straight to the comments. Safe to say, Arsenal fans took the bait.

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