England to leave Tottenham in summer

Tottenham captain Bethany England will leave the club when her contract ends this summer.

The 31-year-old joined Spurs from Chelsea in January 2023 and has scored 38 goals in all competitions - 32 of those in the Women's Super League (WSL), more than any other Tottenham player.

Under Martin Ho this season, she has scored seven goals in 19 appearances to help Spurs close to within two points of their best points WSL total and a likely top-six finish.

"Bethany has etched her name in Spurs Women history, and can leave feeling proud of the lasting impact she has made on the club," said managing director Andy Rogers.

After moving across London, England was instrumental in keeping Tottenham in the WSL, scoring 12 times in the second half of the season to pull Spurs away from danger.

Named club captain in September, she has been a fixture in the Spurs XI ever since, helping steer them to sixth place in 2023-24, 11th last season and competing towards the top half of the table so far this year.

"Bethany's leadership has shaped a defining era in the history of Tottenham Hotspur Women," Rogers added.

"She drove a rise in standards, professionalism and desire, and has continued to uphold and push these values throughout her time here."

England also has 26 caps for the Lionesses but has not appeared for Sarina Wiegman's side since a substitute appearance in the World Cup final against Spain in August 2023.

Club legend played integral role - analysis

When England arrived at Spurs for a then-British record fee of £250,000, she was a huge name who had achieved great success with Chelsea.

An England international, the striker quickly transformed the team, helping them survive relegation and scored 21 goals in 35 appearances in her first two seasons.

That quickly cemented her position as a firm fan-favourite and as the club's captain, she played a pivotal role in the dressing room.

Her influence off the pitch has not waned as she continued to be a voice for Spurs in the media and a name they would look to when marketing big games or events at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

However, her role on the pitch has adapted in recent seasons as she has been played in different positions and has faced competition for her place in the starting XI.

With Ho in charge, Tottenham are looking to close the gap on teams competing in the Women's Champions League and therefore the squad has seen rapid changes this year.

England will leave as a club legend and as one of their most important players in the past decade.