Goodwin stakes England claim with brace as Hemp finally finds the net again

Just over a week before Sarina Wiegman names her Lionesses squad for October's World Cup playoff tie against Greece, England Under-23 international Isobel Goodwin made a compelling case for a first senior call-up, scoring twice for London City Lionesses in a comprehensive 4-1 victory at Charlton.

The 23-year-old, who linked up well with Alexia Putellas, scored five times in the WSL last season and is keen to exceed that tally as she looks to impress Wiegman. Her timing may be perfect: Chelsea's Aggie Beever-Jones is currently out with a minor ankle injury and Arsenal's Michelle Agyemang is still working back from an ACL injury, with the England manager potentially weighing up alternative options for a backup striker to Alessia Russo.

Hemp ends long wait as City go top

Lauren Hemp, the WSL's leading assist-provider in 2023-24 and 2024-25, has often struggled to add goals to her creative output — she had not scored in the league since last November. That changed emphatically on Friday night, when she struck twice in Manchester City's 4-2 win over Liverpool, and she came close to a hat-trick when an early rising drive was tipped over by Khiara Keating.

"She's an amazing player. I don't know what she's made of, because she just loves to be on the field and looks like she has so much energy," City manager Andrée Jeglertz told Sky Sports. "She's a gamechanger."

Young Potter shining at Chelsea

Amid ongoing debate about opportunities for young English players in the WSL, 20-year-old Lexi Potter is thriving at Chelsea. Her assured performance in the 2-0 win over Birmingham City was her second start in as many matches, and she opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge by reacting quickest to a second ball in the area. Her growing understanding with Keira Walsh has been notable. "They understand each other, and even when they are on the pitch and they close their eyes, they know where each other is," manager Sonia Bompastor told Chelsea media.