Chelsea FC Women forward Bethany England says the team are ready for the final stretch of the season as the Blues look to secure a third successive Barclays FA Women’s Super League title.
England scored twice and got an assist as the Blues put five past Reading on Sunday to remain top of the WSL.
The result means the Blues stretched our unbeaten run to nine in the league and are yet to taste defeat in the WSL in 2022.
Speaking after our latest victory, the Blues no.9 said: ‘Obviously Reading are a very aggressive team, they showed that, they gave us a good battle but ultimately we managed to get the first goal which was most important in the first half.
‘Our ruthlessness just showed in the second half and we were much more clinical and I’m really proud of the team.’
England has been in fine form of late, scoring six goals in three games for Hayes’ side. The 27-year-old explained what was behind her clinical showing in front of goal, adding: ‘Minutes help, I’m gaining a lot of confidence in playing these minutes.
‘I’m helping the team, I’m working hard in training as always but I think it’s starting to pay off more now and I think it’s starting to show on the pitch.’
The Blues have scored 14 goals in just two WSL games, which could prove important come the end of the season. England explained just how big these results could be for the Blues, come the final day of the campaign in May.
‘It’s massive! Goal difference, it could go down to that in the end, we don’t know, so the more goals we score the better for us. We just need to keep working hard and keep doing what we’re doing.’
It’s international break now and many of the Blues will be representing their countries over the next couple of weeks. England had received a call-up to represent the Lionesses in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, however has since tested positive for Covid-19 and will be unable to travel.
Attention for the Blues after the break will focus on the final four games of the season, as well as our Vitality Women’s FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal, which is the first game back following the break.
On the prospect of facing the Gunners on 17 April, England ensured the Blues would be prepared for the challenge ahead.
‘It’s going to be a big one! London derby, everyone knows how tough it’s going to be, we’ll be ready for it.’
Our next home fixture sees us host Tottenham Hotspur at Kingsmeadow in the WSL on Thursday 28 April, kicking off at 7:45pm. To purchase tickets to our clash with Spurs, click here.