Bethany England has joined Crystal Palace, the club confirmed today. The former Spurs skipper heads to south London, following the end of her contract. She has signed a two-year deal with the Eagles, with the option for a one year extensions, and gets the number nine shirt.
Commenting on joining her new club, England said: “Palace are an ambitious club. They’ve been in the WSL before, they’ve had two amazing promotions now, and I think you can see their investment in the Women’s game. They’re really pushing to want to be amongst the best, and they’ve got amazing facilities”.
She added that “i’s a place where I hope that I can make a lot of good memories, score a lot of goals, and make some good history for the Football Club.”
Eagles boss Jo Potter commented: “We are absolutely delighted to have Bethany here at Palace. She has scored goals wherever she has gone, and I am sure she will be crucial for us next season.”
Is Bethany England taking a Step Backwards at Crystal Palace?
With no disrespect to Crystal Palace, who are clearly trying build a strong women’s side, the move does feel a bit of a step down for Bethany England. Still only 32, England is one of the WSL’s greatest ever goal scorers, and still has a lot offer. She netted seven times in 21 games for Spurs last campaign, second only tow Olivia Holdt, who scored one more. She also leads the line well and remains a leader of the pitch. I still do not think letting the striker go was a great decision.
Bethany England kept Spurs in the WSL. Perhaps she will be able to repeat the trick with Crystal Palace.