Bethany England backs ‘underdogs’ Tottenham to find their mojo in derby duel with Arsenal

BETHANY ENGLAND would love nothing more than a return to Sarina Wiegman’s England fold. 

But on Saturday the Tottenham captain’s focus will be on attempting to lead her team-mates to a derby victory over Arsenal. 

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Tottenham hope to pick up their third win in the league this term when they host Arsenal at Spurs Stadium[/caption]

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Spurs’ last WSL outing ended as a 4-0 away loss to Man City following a derby win against West Ham[/caption]

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Arsenal won their last league encounter against Tottenham at the Emirates avenging their first loss to their neighbours in the WSL last December[/caption]

The 1:45pm clash at Spurs Stadium will take place three days before Wiegman’s squad announcement ahead of the Lionesses’ two final matches this year. 

Up first is a November 30 friendly clash with the United States at Wembley followed by a Bramall Lane match against Switzerland on December 3. 

The last time England, 30, featured for the Lionesses was as a substitute last August, when they competed in a World Cup final for the first time. 

A hip injury following the team’s 1-0 loss to Spain in that game, kept the striker sidelined for the first three months of last season

England, who was part of Wiegman’s 2022 Euros winning side, has not featured for the national side since. 

And while an international return before next year’s European Championships would be “amazing”, the Spurs’ skipper’s focus is on her club’s performance. 

England, who has 26 senior caps, said: “Obviously I’d love nothing more than to be named in that squad. 

“The next international camp is coming up and it’s up to Sarina (Wiegman) . 

“I can only control what I can control and make sure when I am on the pitch with Tottenham, I’m doing the best that I can. 

“We all know how football works and I’ve had a really amazing time with England. 

“Whether there will be more time in the future, I would welcome that with open arms. 

“All I can do now is control my own performances at my club.”

Since joining Tottenham from Chelsea last January for a then British-record WSL transfer fee England has been influential in their recent history-making moments. 

Among them is captaining the side to a first North London derby victory in the top tier last December and leading them to an FA Cup final for the first time in May. 

Tottenham’s 1-0 win against Arsenal last December was preceded by England’s return to action from her hip injury in an away clash with Manchester United. 

A duel that Spurs, who are seventh, lost 4-0 before winning their next four games across all competitions. 

England, whose side have one win from their last four games, adds: “We were able to come off the back of an even worse defeat last year and turn it around. 

“I don’t see why it’s not impossible to do it this time. Both teams are going in (to this game) in different situations. 

“Arsenal haven’t had the best of runs (in the WSL) either but they’re going into the game off the back of a 5-0 win (against Brighton). 

“It’s going to be a completely different mindset for them coming to this compared to us. It’s not an impossible task.”

Under Renee Slegers, the Gunners’ form has improved with the team having won four of their five games under their stand-in boss. 

However, England, who has scored twice in seven WSL games this term, said: “We’ve beaten them before. 

“We have the calibre of players to be able to do it again. But we won’t underestimate them.

“Hopefully this week we can show we can step up our form and get the win.”

With six points currently separating third-placed Brighton from Tottenham, England feels the competition this term is an exciting one for neutrals. 

And the striker who recorded a Transport for London announcement for fans arriving at White Hart Lane station tomorrow, believes a Spurs win could be a turning point for their season. 

She said: “For me it’s nice to see different teams being near the top. 

“It shows how much the game is growing and it’s not always going to be the same teams in (third or) fourth. 

“It makes it more exciting and interesting to the fans who watch us.

“The beauty of the game is so many things can happen and being the underdog isn’t always a bad thing going into a game like this one. 

“If this can be the turning point for us, it will change the trajectory of our season. 

“We’ve just got to find our mojo again. Hopefully we can bring that this weekend.”

Since head coach Robert Vilahamn took charge of the team last July, Tottenham have undergone a bit of an overhaul.

Among the seven players who sealed Spurs transfers this summer are Australia forward Hayley Raso, 30, and Spain midfielder Maite Oroz, 26, who like Raso, joined from Real Madrid. 

And young Lionesses defender Ella Morris, 22, made a June move from Southampton. 

Morris’ England Under-23’s team-mate Lenna Gunning-Williams, is among the promising prospects to have come through Tottenham’s academy ranks in recent years. 

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Lenna Gunning-Williams has made four top-flight appearances for Tottenham so far this term[/caption]

The London-born forward, who joined Spurs at 16 and scored 38 goals in 39 games for their Under-21s, has made four substitute appearances for their WSL side. 

This followed her making her senior Tottenham debut two years ago ahead of a season-long loan move to Ipswich last term

England said: “I also want that family environment for the youth coming through.

“It’s important for the youngsters to know they’re having to work just as hard because this league is getting harder and harder every year.

“You look at Lenna – she’s coming on in a lot more games and was on loan last year. 

Arsenal have gone five games unbeaten across all competitions following Renee Slegers taking charge of the team last monthGetty

“She’s come in this season, put in some good performances and helped us get the win at West Ham. 

“You’ve seen the youth development here and this club has got huge ambition.

“To be a part of that ambition and the history going forward is a huge honour for me.”