Bethany England, the Tottenham captain, is to leave at the end of this season, the striker has confirmed in a tearful video message published by the club.<\/p>\n
It is understood it was the club\u2019s decision not to renew the 31-year-old\u2019s contract as they seek to evolve their squad with younger players. Multiple sources have emphasised Tottenham are expected to be aggressive and highly ambitious in the transfer market.<\/p>\n
England respects the decision and the striker and club are understood to be sad to be saying goodbye after what has been described as respectful conversations regarding her future. The England international, who played 26 times for the Lionesses and scored 11 goals between 2019 and her last appearance in 2023, is likely to be highly sought after on a free.<\/p>\n
England said in her message to the fans: \u201cFrom the very beginning you gave me something I didn\u2019t even realise I was searching for: your warmth, your belief, your unwavering support. You even made me feel seen again. In moments where I questioned myself, you never did. I came here hoping to rediscover something I had lost but I am leaving with so much more than I\u2019d ever imagined.\u201d<\/p>\n
She went on to describe Spurs as \u201ca place that was helping put me back together\u201d. The former Chelsea striker is the Women\u2019s Super League\u2019s second-highest goalscorer in its 15-year history, with 89 goals, eight behind Vivianne Miedema. In March, she became the seventh player to pass 200 WSL appearances.<\/p>\n