Bethany England leads Spurs to three points as WSL debutants shine
Tottenham Hotspur Women began their 2025/26 Barclays Women's Super League campaign with a narrow win over rivals West Ham United at Brisbane Road.
With 1,735 fans in attendance, this opening weekend London derby was highly anticipated. The Lilywhites secured all three points, thanks to a late penalty converted by captain, Bethany England.
Spurs entered the season aiming to bounce back after a challenging 2024/25, where they finished eleventh place. The team sought to revitalise their performances and build momentum for the new campaign, following the appointment of new and experienced head coach, Martin Ho.
Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur: Kop, Rybrink, Koga, Hunt, Nildén, Summanen, Spence (Ahinen), Dennis (Graham), Holdt (Gunning-Williams), Naz (Tandberg), England (Grant).
Unused substitutes: Oroz, Heeps, Jackson
West Ham United: Szemik (Walsh), Hanshaw, Zadorsky, Nyström, Denton, Gorry, Siren, Asseyi, Ueki, Piubel (Morgan), Martinez (Paví).
Unused substitutes: Tysiak, Belloumou, Brasero-Carreira, Wandeler, Houssein, Başdüdükçü
New signings, Japanese defender Tōko Koga and Norwegian forward, Cathinka Tandberg, were expected to strengthen the squad. Tottenham lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with England leading the attack and midfielder Olivia Holdt orchestrating play in the middle.
West Ham, who finished ninth last season under for Spurs manager, Rehanne Skinner, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. They rely on forwards, Shekiera Martinez, and Viviane Asseyi, and new defender, Yu Endo to provide stability at the back.
First half
Spurs’ attacking play dominated the opening forty-five minutes, with early chances falling to Jessica Naz, who shot over the bar and skimmed the far post on a few occasions. The Lilywhites displayed strong passing and solid defensive organisation, keeping West Ham largely at bay.
The Hammers threatened around the eigth minute with a close-range attempt by defender, Verena Handshaw. A free kick save by West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik in the thirteenth minute denied Tottenham a breakthrough.
Koga impressed defensively, helping to neutralise West Ham’s forward runs and maintain a clean sheet through the first half. Overall, both sides threatened but solid defences denied any attempts hitting the back of the net.
Second half
Tottenham continued to press early in the second half, although a few shots went over the bar. West Ham then pushed forward and caused problems, including a goalpost hit and forcing saves by Spurs’ number one, Lize Kop.
Unfortunately for the Hammers, Poland international goalkeeper, Szemik, had to be substituted in the 55th minute after a collision with the post, while attempting to palm away a cross from Tottenham veteran, Drew Spence. A top save from the keeper, turned bittersweet by her knock.
A foul by West Ham captain, Katrina Gorry on Tottenham’s Eveliina Summanen won Spurs a late penalty in the second half. Bethany England calmly converted the spot-kick with four minutes remaining of normal time, beating substitute goalkeeper, Megan Walsh. Spurs nearly doubled their lead in the 89th minute with a shot over the bar.
Tottenham showed improved defensive organisation and composure under pressure, particularly with Koga solidifying the back line in partnership with Mathilda’s star, Clare Hunt. England’s leadership and calm penalty secured the win and gave Spurs early momentum for the season.
West Ham displayed flashes of attacking quality but lacked the clinical finishing needed to convert their chances.
Both teams will look to build from this opening fixture, with Spurs attempting to maintain their solid defensive start, and West Ham to sharpen attacking execution for the next match.
Full time score at Brisbane Road: Tottenham Hotspur Women 1-0 West Ham United Women.
Standout players
In Lilywhite, several players are recognised for their contributions to the three points.
Several players made their WSL debuts for Tottenham: Tandberg, Dennis, who came through the academy, and Koga, with a solid defensive performance.
Elsewhere, Holdt controlled the midfield tempo, driving towards the opposition defence and showcasing her technical ability to create attacking opportuntities.
England deserves a mention, not only for securing the three points with a decisive penalty, but for leading with passion and pride. Her determination and encouragement echoes across the field and instills confidence in her teammates.
As for the away team, both Shekiera Martinez and Viviane Asseyi battled hard to win the ball and travel into Spurs’ box. Their threat in attack and creation of chances is central to Skinner’s game plan. Both were unlucky not to score.
Defensively, Endo brought experience and stability to the backline. Her positioning and communication with her fellow defenders allowed the Hammers to stay tight and cause problem for Tottenham’s attackers.
Looking ahead
A trip to Merseyside awaits Tottenham next as they face Everton at Goodison Park in their second WSL outing on Sunday, 14 September (14:30 BST).
West Ham, meanwhile, will be involved in another London derby on Friday, 12 September (19:30) as European champions Arsenal visit Dagenham.
Both sides will be looking for three points to get their WSL campaigns off to a good start, pushing aside any fears of potential relegation so early on. Skinner must execute a perfect tactical plan to hold off title competitors, Arsenal. Whilst Ho will push for higher intensity and composure in front of goal to stun in-form Everton.