Show Notes
In the second of two special episodes ahead of the Women's League Cup final, Emma Sanders visits Carrington and chats to a trio of Manchester United guests to preview the first domestic final of the season. Head coach Marc Skinner reflects on making their fourth consecutive domestic final, making 'ruthless' decisions and making sure his team don't fear Chelsea. One of Manchester United's newest signings, German forward Lea Schüller chats to Em about how she's settling in, her biggest strengths and why she's 'not that into football' when she's not playing. Plus, USA goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce talks wanting to make more history with this team and with the final being on Mother's Day, why her Mum will always be her number one fan! TIMECODES: 00:05 - Em and Ben are back for the second part of our League Cup final preview. 01:57 - Marc Skinner sits down with Em. 15:45 - Lea Schüller tells Em about settling into life on and off the pitch in Manchester. 27:30 - Phallon Tullis-Joyce on new 'puzzle pieces' and her idea of the perfect final.
More from BBC Women's Football Weekly
Ellen White and Ben Haines are back and Ellen starts by telling us about an exciting new job role. Joined by Em Sanders, the team react to Sarina Wiegman’s two-year contract extension with England and unveil the inaugural ‘Golden Goggles’ award for the best celebration of the week! There’s a WSL debrief focusing on the standout performances of Lauren James, Daniëlle van de Donk, and Océane Hurtré so far this season. Plus, we look at the big talking points ahead of this weekend’s derby games in North London and Manchester. TIMECODES: 00:05 - Ellen and Ben are back and Ellen has a new job! 02:00 - Em Sanders is back on the pod too! 03:05 - England manager Sarina Wiegman has signed a two-year contract extension. 17:20 - Our new ‘Golden Goggles’ award! 21:00 - Debrief of the WSL looking at three standout players, starting with Chelsea’s Lauren James. 27:00 - London City Lionesses’ unsung hero, Daniëlle van de Donk. 31:10 - Arsenal v Birmingham City, with a focus on Océane Hurtré. 39:05 - Look ahead to this weekend’s WSL derbies, starting with the north London derby. 44:50 - Preview of the Manchester derby.
Katie Smith is joined by former England goalkeeper, Rachel Brown-Finnis, and 5 Live commentator Vicki Sparks to react to England’s 5-0 win (8-1 on aggregate) over Greece which sees them progress to round two of the Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs. After lacking a clinical edge in the first-leg, the Lionesses were far more ruthless at home, plus we saw two more debuts for Lexi Potter and Freya Godfrey. The team discuss whether Sarina Wiegman has become more tactically flexible when it comes to her starting XI and whether Maya Le Tissier’s standout performances at right-back have posed the question: can both she and Lucy Bronze start for the national team? Plus, Rob Schofield is down in the tunnel to get reaction from Alessia Russo, Grace Fisk and Sarina Wiegman. TIMECODES: 00:05 - Reaction to a more ruthless England performance. 06:50 - Alessia Russo interview 08:40 - Lexi Potter’s debut and Sarina Wiegman making more changes to her starting XI. 17:20 - Grace Fisk interview. 19:35 - Should Maya Le Tissier and Lucy Bronze play together for England? 25:20 - Sarina Wiegman interview.
Ellen White and Ben Haines are back and this week they’re joined by England legend and Brighton midfielder Fran Kirby! Together, the trio look back on England’s 3-1 victory against Greece in the first-leg of their World Cup play-off semi-final - from debutants and Maya Le Tissier impressing at right-back to asking how the Lionesses can become more ruthless in front of goal. Vicki Sparks also chats to Keira Walsh and Sarina Wiegman ahead of the second leg on Tuesday evening at the King Power stadium in Leicester. Elsewhere across the international break, there were away wins for Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland in their play-off games, as well as a welcome return to the field for Chelsea captain Erin Cuthbert. Fran also gives us an insight into life at Brighton under new boss Arturo Ruiz before previewing some crucial fixtures across the WSL this weekend. TIMECODES: 00:05 - Ellen and Ben are back with Fran Kirby as their special guest! 03:31 - Review of the Lionesses 3-1 against Greece in Crete. 12:20 - Would you like to see the Lionesses celebrate goals more? 15:50 - What are the positives for England? Debutants and Maya Le Tissier at right-back. 22:40 - How can England be more ruthless going forward? 27:00 - Keira Walsh and Sarina Wiegman chat to Vicki Sparks ahead of the second leg. 33:50 - Round up of the other home nations involved in World Cup qualifying. 37:31 - USA v Spain friendlies, a glimpse of what could be a huge game at the World Cup. 40:10 - WSL preview, starting with Fran’s insight into life at Brighton under Arturo Ruiz. 47:00 - Spurs will be tested over the next couple of weeks. 49:45 - A chance for Arsenal to start fresh against Birmingham?
Ellen White is back at St. George’s Park, alongside BBC Women's Sport Reporter Jo Currie, for a Lionesses special ahead of their upcoming World Cup play-off games against Greece. Ellen sits down with Washington Spirit defender Esme Morgan to discuss finding consistency in the England starting XI, how the NWSL season has prepared her for these crucial international games, and we of course get an update on Biscuit the cat! Plus, Jo chats to England’s exciting new midfield talents in the press conference, Lexi Potter and Erica Meg Parkinson. Full commentary of England v Greece is on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. The first leg is a 5:30pm kick-off on Friday 9th October. TIMECODES: 00:04 - Ellen White and Jo Currie are back! 02:01 – Esme Morgan interview. 21:44 – Ellen and Jo discuss what’s ahead for England. 29:04 – Lexi Potter and Erica Meg Parkinson chat in the press conference. 32:50 - Ellen and Jo reflect on the Lionesses they’ve heard from.
As we reach the first international break of the season, Ellen White is joined by BBC Women's Sport Reporter Jo Currie and the Telegraph’s Women’s Football reporter Kathryn Batte to provide a half term review of the Women’s Super League. Five games in, Manchester City remain the team to beat and Arsenal’s struggles continue. The team discuss if the reigning champions can keep their momentum going and are the problems deeper than on the pitch at Arsenal who sit 10th, 10 points adrift of the league leaders. Jo also asks if London City Lionesses have lived up to the hype given their big summer transfer window and puts Ellen and Kathryn to the test in a quick fire round assessing each club’s performance so far. TIMECODES: 00:04 - Ellen White and Jo Currie are down at St. George’s Park. 01:10 - Ellen and Jo are joined by Kathryn Batte for a WSL half term review, starting with Arsenal. 11:25 - Manchester City remain the team to beat. 16:12- London City Lionesses deliver on their pre-season hype. 20:40 - Quick fire reviews of the rest of the league.