News

Fara Williams retires after more than twenty years, 172 England caps and 40 goals, with Sheffield United’s Leandra Little going at the same time. The women’s game mourns Julie Chipchase, who died aged 60 and whose association with Doncaster Belles as player, manager, director of football and board member spanned five decades. Carli Lloyd wins a 300th cap, Fran Kirby becomes the first two-time FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year, and Rebecca Welch referees an EFL match. The Champions League is rebranded and expanded with a group stage and quadrupled prize money. Managers move in a whirlwind: Montemurro leaves Arsenal, Stoney leaves Manchester United, Beard returns to Liverpool and Carla Ward goes from Birmingham to Aston Villa. England and Northern Ireland are drawn together for 2023 World Cup qualifying.