Key Takeaways
- Bethany England will depart Tottenham Hotspur when her current contract expires at the end of the season
- The 31-year-old captain posted an emotional video message thanking fans for restoring her confidence during her three-and-a-half years in North London
- England ranks as the second-highest goalscorer in Women’s Super League history with 89 goals and recently achieved 200 league appearances
Bethany England has announced she will leave Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the current campaign. The club captain shared an emotional video statement with supporters this week to confirm her departure.
The 31-year-old striker will exit the club when her contract runs out this summer. Tottenham have chosen not to renew her deal as they look to construct a younger squad for coming seasons.
Sources close to the club indicate that Tottenham intend to pursue an ambitious recruitment strategy during the transfer window. They aim to bring in new talent to reshape their playing staff.
England has accepted the club’s decision. Both sides have described their discussions as respectful though difficult. The former Lionesses international, who earned 26 caps and scored 11 goals for England between 2019 and 2023, will now be available on a free transfer. Several clubs are expected to compete for her signature.
In her farewell message, England became visibly emotional while addressing the fans directly. “From the very beginning you gave me something I didn’t even realise I was searching for: your warmth, your belief, your unwavering support,” she stated. “You made me feel visible again. When I doubted myself, you never did. I arrived here hoping to find something I had lost. I leave with far more than I ever expected.”
The former Chelsea forward described Spurs as “a place that helped put me back together.” She stands as the division’s second-top scorer in history with 89 goals. Only Vivianne Miedema has scored more times during the WSL’s 15-year existence. In March, England became just the seventh player to reach 200 appearances in the league.
Since arriving at Tottenham three-and-a-half years ago, she has netted 32 league goals. Her first six months brought 12 strikes that proved crucial in helping the team avoid relegation. Last term, she guided them to the Women’s FA Cup final.
This season, England leads Tottenham’s scoring charts with seven goals from 19 league matches. Her contributions have helped the side reach fifth position with two fixtures remaining.
Her exit forms part of significant changes at the club. Tottenham recently confirmed that Amy James-Turner, Luana Bühler, Charlotte Grant, Josefine Rybrink and Kit Graham will also depart. Graham has served the team since they entered the top flight in 2019. The club is reportedly progressing with plans to sign replacements.
Andy Rogers, managing director of the women’s team, praised England’s influence at the club. “Bethany’s leadership created a defining period for Tottenham Hotspur Women,” he said. “She raised standards, professionalism and desire from her first day. She continued to push these values throughout her time here.”
Rogers added: “Beyond her performances on the pitch, she connected brilliantly with our supporters. She also worked tirelessly with our foundation to benefit the local community. Bethany has written her name in Spurs Women history. She can depart knowing she made a lasting impact.”