Crystal Palace return to the WSL: Do they have what it takes this time?
Newly promoted Crystal Palace are determined to achieve a better finish than their first season in the WSL, following a statement signing of UEFA European Championship winner Bethany England.
Crystal Palace achieved promotion following a strong and successful WSL2 campaign where they beat Portsmouth 6-1 on the final day, securing a second-place finish. Palace won 12 of their 14 league games, an impressive tally for manager Jo Potter’s first season with the club after previously spending two years at Rangers. She was brought in following a disappointing season in the WSL in 2024/25 where Palace finished 12th, ten points behind Tottenham Hotspur in 11th, where they only scored four league goals and registered two wins.
Key Players for Crystal Palace
Aimee Everett, as Captain of The Eagles, is the backbone of this team. After winning player of the season in her first year at Palace, she became captain at age 22, and went on to feature in every game when the club won their first promotion. When the team were promoted to the WSL, she became the second youngest captain in the league. Following their demotion back to the WSL2, in their promotion winning season, Everett was voted into the team of the season and won players’ player of the season after making an impressive comeback from a bad injury in February 2025, showing her determination.
Molly Sharpe is another key player for Palace, as a versatile forward with quick feet and a relentless work rate. During her time at Durham before she signed for Palace in 2021, she scored 15 goals in 42 appearances. Since joining The Eagles, she’s made over 77 appearances and scored over 22 goals for the team. Following her early success at the club, she was shortlisted for the Championship (now WSL2) 23/24 player of the season and in 2025 went on to be the first player in Crystal Palace Women’s professional era to reach 100 appearances, making her one of their most experienced players.
Ashleigh Weerden is another player to watch. Last season, the left back tallied seven goals and ten assists out of 22 games, the most assists in the team. This attacking threat will be crucial to improving Palace’s chances of securing another season in the WSL.
Summer Signings
After My Cato’s ACL injury in early July, Crystal Palace’s midfield took a hit, as that injury could put Cato out for most of the 26/27 season. New signing Sierra Enge will be vital in filling this gap and will make an experienced addition. Enge played college football at Stanford and helped San Diego Wave win the 2024 NWSL challenge cup.
Another crucial signing for Palace is the free transfer of Bethany England from Tottenham. England is the second highest scorer in WSL history with 89 goals in 202 games, and left Tottenham as their all-time top goalscorer with 32 goals and captain. It’s apparent that England is a prolific goalscorer and will heavily strengthen Palace’s forward play, potentially making up for their shaky defence. As a Euros winner and World Cup runner up, not only does she bring goalscoring experience, but also experience in high pressure situations, something which will be crucial for Palace when playing against top four teams in the WSL.
How do Crystal Palace like to play?
Potter favours a possession-based team, encouraging Palace to dominate the ball and create chances. This style of play worked well for Palace in the WSL2 with them averaging two goals scored per match last season, the third most in the league, which will be crucial to continue given how competitive the WSL is. Their average formation was a 3-4-1-2, with two wingbacks in midfield to drop back and help with defence when necessary and strengthen the forward play when attacking. However, even with their wingbacks, Palace’s defensive organisation needs improving, and if not addressed, could be their downfall against sharp WSL teams and world class finishers.
What is Crystal Palace hoping for in the WSL?
For Crystal Palace, this season will be all about survival. With a new structure meaning the bottom two in the WSL table potentially making their way back down into the second tier, there is more at stake for Palace than the first time around. After a disappointing first season in the WSL, they will look to improve on this and avoid relegation back to the WSL2 in the 26/27 season. While England provides firepower, Palace will need defensive improvements if they want to avoid a last place finish again. Despite this, Potter’s Palace are a lot more equipped for the WSL this time around than they first were.