Podcast
BBC Women's Football Weekly
Hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live · EN
Whether you're a lifelong Lionesses fan or just getting into the women's game, BBC Women's Football Weekly brings you closer to the action with new episodes every week.
Ben Haines teams up with England's record goalscorer Ellen White and former Scotland international Jen Beattie to unpack the biggest talking points from the Women's Super League and beyond - covering match previews, standout performances, and all the drama on and off the pitch. BBC Women's Football Weekly also features exclusive interviews with the biggest stars in the Women's Super League and national teams.
Subscribe now to get every episode as soon as it drops and stay in the know with the latest from the world of women's football. Plus, listen to classic episodes of Jill Scott's Coffee Club, where Jill sits down with players for honest, off-the-pitch conversations over a coffee.
40episodes
Episodes
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Extra: Millie Bright on retirement, abuse and the future
May 100:23:47Tap to summarizeOne day on from announcing her retirement, Chelsea and Lionesses legend Millie Bright sits down with Jo Currie to discuss her decision.A Euros winner in 2022, the 32-year-old has now left Chelsea after 294 appearances, eight Women's Super League titles, six FA Cups and four League Cups.Millie chats to Jo about being both ‘physically and mentally’ ready to say goodbye to football and how she has dealt with the most challenging two years of her life. Bright also reflects on her playing career, which has crossed two eras of women's football, and opens up on what the future holds.
Transcribe →New stadia, a slip for City & advantage Arsenal in Europe
Apr 2800:45:49Tap to summarizeEllen, Jen and Ben digest a huge week, which saw WSL leaders Man City drop points and put Arsenal 90 minutes from the Champions League final. With Arsenal taking a 2-1 lead into the semi-final second leg; how were they able to handle Lyon? And can they keep it up? In the other semi, it's level between Bayern Munich and Barcelona where Franziska Kett was sent off for a hair-pull; are we seeing more of that as an offence? As for the WSL, Manchester City remain in the driving seat for the title, but how costly might Saturday's loss to Brighton prove to be? And as Chelsea make a permanent move to Stamford Bridge and Brighton announce a new purpose-built stadium, how do clubs ensure that these projects work? And what do Ellen and Jen want to see as part of the plans? TIMECODES: 2:05 Arsenal show up in the second half of their semi 11:57 Flair on show between Bayern Munich and Barcelona 20:30 Is hair-pulling becoming more common in football or are we just more aware of it now? 23'14 Will Manchester City be concerned by dropping points at Brighton? 28:19 Manchester United's slump 32:56 Sam Kerr levels the Chelsea WSL goal scoring record 34:24 Sonia Bompastor and Sam Kerr on Chelsea's move to Stamford Bridge 35:15 Brighton release proposal for Europe's first purpose-built women's football stadium 42:57 WSL2 goes to the final day
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Extra: Mariona Caldentey meets Guillem Balagué
Apr 2300:33:25Tap to summarizeAhead of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals, Guillem Balagué sits down with Spain and Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey, who is personally going for a fourth consecutive UWCL title, and a fifth overall!Mariona gives us an insight into her childhood on the island of Mallorca, moving to Barcelona at the age of 18 and how she’s adapted since moving to Arsenal July in 2024.Plus, the pair look ahead to facing European giants Lyon in the semi-finals this season, just how much the Champions League means to her and of course, discuss the growing rivalry on the international stage that is Spain vs the Lionesses!Commentary of both legs of Arsenal’s semi-final against Lyon will be on 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds.TIMECODES: 00:46 - Mariona sits down with Guillem. 01:17 - Mariona tells us about her childhood in Felanitx, on the island of Mallorca. 06:40 - On joining Barcelona at 18 years old. 08:50 - On moving to Arsenal back in the summer of 2024 and how she’s adapted. 12:24 - On the recognition she achieved during her first season in England. 15:45 - On her club captain Kim Little and playing at the Emirates. 21:20 - Looking back on last year’s Champions League win. 22:40 - Looking ahead to this year’s Champions League semi-final against Lyon. 28:50 - On the developing rivalry between Spain and the Lionesses.
Transcribe →Six points for England, the WSL run-in and Arsenal meet Lyon again
Apr 2100:45:56Tap to summarizeEllen, Jen and Ben are back together after their very own international breaks to react to the latest round of World Cup qualifying games and look ahead to a huge weekend of fixtures in the WSL and Champions League.The team reflect on the April international window which saw England go four wins from four and keep automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in their hands. Ellen and Jen discuss the standout performers for the Lionesses, plus they reflect on Scotland’s growth after back-to-back draws against Belgium.As the WSL returns, we look at vital games for Leicester City at the bottom of the table and Manchester United in their battle for European football next season. Plus, it’s a huge weekend for Arsenal who meet European giants Lyon again in the semi-finals of the UWCL. Can they secure a first-leg advantage at the Emirates this year?TIMECODES: 00:07 - Ellen, Jen and Ben are back together. 02:50 - The Lionesses are four wins from four in World Cup qualifying. 06:20 - Praise for Lotte Wubben-Moy. 09:50 - Hannah Hampton ’saves’ England on multiple occasions. 13:24 - Alessia Russo takes her club form to the international stage. 17:15 - Scotland remain top of Group B4 after two draws against Belgium. 21:00 - Kathleen McGovern looking at home on the international stage. 24:40 - The WSL returns after the international break. 30:58 - The penultimate round of WSL 2 fixtures. 33:10 - Arsenal meet Lyon again in the Champions League semi-finals. 38:54 - Stina Blackstenius signs a new contract with Arsenal. 40:53 - Barcelona meet Bayern Munich in the other semi-final.
Transcribe →England beat world champions Spain on Walsh's milestone night
Apr 1400:40:45Tap to summarizeBen Haines is joined by former England forward Fran Kirby and BBC commentator Vicki Sparks at Wembley stadium as the Lionesses claimed a significant 1-0 victory over rivals Spain and took control of their 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying group.Fran and Vicki react to the latest instalment of this growing rivalry which ended with England securing a crucial three points. It was a resilient performance from a new centre-back partnership and a milestone night for midfielder Keira Walsh, who captained the side on her 100th appearance. The team also hear from goalscorer Lauren Hemp, England's latest centurion Keira Walsh and manager Sarina Wiegman who all give their post match thoughts to Katie Smith in the tunnel.TIMECODES: 00:05 - Ben Haines is joined by Fran Kirby and Vicki Sparks at Wembley 11:20 - Lauren Hemp interview. 16:19 - Reaction from England’s latest centurion, Keira Walsh. 23:49 - Sarina Wiegman interview. 32:50 - Looking ahead to their next fixture against Iceland on Saturday. 36:00 - More reflection on Keira Walsh’s milestone from Leah Williamson and Mary Earps.
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Extra: Inside England with Wiegman, Russo and Barry!
Apr 1000:53:07Tap to summarizeBen Haines and Em Sanders are back at St. George’s Park and this time they have agent Ellen White with them to look ahead to the biggest game of their World Cup qualifying game so far.England manager Sarina Wiegman joins Ellen and Ben to discuss facing Spain, again! As the Lionesses approach their milestone 500th game, we ask what game stands out to her, chat Alessia Russo’s form and what she wants to see from the new faces in the squad. Ellen and Ben also chat to one of those new faces in Bay FC’s Keira Barry alongside in-form Arsenal striker Alessia Russo. They discuss turning up to camp for the first time, coming into this international break at very different points in their domestic seasons and which England teammate they would take on Race Across the World with!Plus, the team chat team selection for this 'crunch game' on Tuesday at Wembley. Full commentary of England v Spain will be on 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds, kick off is at 7pm.TIMECODES: 00:05 - Ellen, Ben and Em are down at St. George’s Park. 02:54 - England boss Sarina Wiegman joins the pod. 18:20 - Ellen, Ben and Em reflect on Sarina’s interview and chat team selection against Spain.. 24:50 - Alessia Russo and Keira Barry join the pod. 44:10 - The team chat Keira’s calmness, Alessia’s current form and the importance of this game at Wembley.
Transcribe →Mini Champions League and FA Cup quarter-final debrief
Apr 800:15:41Tap to summarizeBen Haines and Ellen White are joined by Em Sanders at St. George's Park for a mini debrief episode after a busy week of Champions League and FA Cup quarter-final action.From three English teams down to one, Arsenal are the last ones standing in Europe with Chelsea and Manchester United losing out in at the quarter-final stage. Em and Ellen react to Sonia Bompastor's post-match interview and Manchester United's debut season in the competition. Plus, Brighton are through to the Women's FA Cup semi-finals after upsetting 14-time winners Arsenal at Meadow Park. The team react to a huge oppourtinty for Brighton or Liverpool to reach Wembley and another heavyweight clash for Chelsea and Manchester City.
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Extra: Scotland head coach Mel Andreatta with Jen!
Apr 700:20:55Tap to summarizeJen Beattie gets to know Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta who was appointed a year ago. Mel talks about her coaching journey in Australia, her style and ambitions of getting Scotland back to a major tournament. Scotland have World Cup qualifiers coming up against Belgium followed by Israel in June with the prospect of play-offs later this year.Mel also talks about the progress of player pathways in Scotland. Plus...has Mel tried Irn-Bru yet?
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Extra: The WSL 2 & race for promotion
Apr 600:37:47Tap to summarizeEmma Sanders takes an in depth look at the race for promotion to the WSL and those clubs in among it. Birmingham City sit top with head coach Amy Merricks telling Emma the club is ready to be back in the top flight. Charlton sit second with a very impressive season led by Karen Hills. Danish striker Amalie Thestrup gives an insight into how important culture is at the club and one of the reasons for their success.Newcastle have an outside chance of getting into the play-off spots and we hear from boss Tanya Oxtoby about the clubs ambitions. Bristol City have dropped out of that play-off race but interim CEO Lowri Roberts shares the clubs longer term plan to get back into the WSL. Plus head coach Charlotte Healy talks about all the changes since she was appointed last summer.Timecodes: 00:30 Birmingham City with Amy Merricks 10:00 Charlton Karen Hills 17:30 Amalie Thestrup 23:45 Newcastle Tanya Oxtoby 27:00 Bristol City Lowri Roberts 32:00 Charlotte Healy
Transcribe →Lionesses squad & who will get through to the Champions League semi-finals?
Mar 3100:45:49Tap to summarizeBen Haines, Ellen White and Emma Sanders react to Sarina Wiegman's latest England squad ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Spain and Iceland. 17 year old Erica Meg Parkinson, who plays club football in Portugal gets a first senior call up having come through the youth system. Emma gives her insight into who Erica is and her background. Where do Chelsea need to be better against Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final and can Manchester United comeback against Bayern Munich away from home? Plus Ellen has found her calling in walking football!Timecodes: 02:30 Ellen trys walking football! 04:30 Who is Erica Meg Parkinson? 09:20 Sarina Wiegman 21:00 Champions League 28:25 Kim Little fan club 34:30 Jule Brand & Ingrid Engen 37:00 WSLCommentaries: Wednesday 1st April – 8pm – Champions League Quarter-Finals - Chelsea v Arsenal, 5 Live Sport Sunday 5th April – 1pm – FA Cup Quarter Finals – Arsenal v Brighton, 5 Live Sport
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