Why Always She? - A Women’s Football Podcast

Charli and Matt reflect on the events of WSL Game Week 5 and what it taught us about the teams. Did we learn more about United or Chelsea? Why are Everton a bit baffling? Can stats help us get to the bottom of The ReSpursGence, and West Ham's meltdown?

This week Charli and Matt assess the current state of the Traditional Top 4 (with the caveat Spurs are currently Top 4 - you go Spurs!). Will Arsenal's dropped points prove too costly? Can United challenge with their lack of depth? How will City fare? Can anyone, anywhere, stop Chelsea?

This week the team start off by taking a moment to pay tribute to Matt Beard, who passed away on Saturday at 47 years old. "Beardy" was and always will be an icon and true champion of the women's game, but more than anything was known for his kindness and compassion off the pitch. It's been touching and emotional to read, see and hear all the tributes coming in from across the football community. He'll be missed, and thoughts go to his family, friends and loved ones.
Hopefully Charli and Matt can then lift your spirits a little by highlighting some top performances from this weekend's games with a lesser-spotted WAS Team of the Week.

This week Charli and Matt discuss what they've learned about changing team dynamics and key player roles after the first couple of games in the WSL. What is going on at Liverpool? How will Tandberg galvanise Spurs? What does Hasegawa's more advanced role mean for City? Also, Matt picks a surprising key player for the newly promoted London City Lionesses.

Charli and Matt recap the action from the first game week of the 25/26 WSL season and get a sense check on where the various teams are. Is it the same old story with Chelsea? Are City set to be plagued by injuries again? Can London City Lionesses build on an impressive first half against Arsenal at the Emirates? United look sharp, but do they have the depth to really challenge this season? What is it with Liverpool and Everton at Anfield?!

Charli and Matt return for part 2 of their preview of the upcoming WSL season. They're not talking about the scandalous week at the Team Who Shall Not be Named (yet), but they are discussing:
- How good will London City Lionesses actually be?
- Can Man City bounce back from their nightmare season?
- What's next for Chelsea?
- Who will prove to be the most important signing?

Charli and Matt look back over the tournament, revisiting their predictions and how things ended up unfolding. And there's of course time for unpicking just how England managed to pull off their second Euros title (back-to-back, in case you hadn't heard). 

The team discuss another late comeback from England, as well as a heroic defensive shift from Germany, which could only be undone by the brilliance of Bonmati. Charli learns more valuable lessons about being a football fan, and Matt lays out what would be his grand plan to beat Spain in the final. 

Recovered from their England malaise, Charli and Matt get into the other two quarter finals. What did we learn about Spain from their eventual unlocking of Switzerland? Just how impressive was Germany's defensive shift against France (one player in particular)? They also get into how Germany may fare against Spain and what, if anything, Italy can do to beat England. 

Charli and Matt try to unpick England's bizarre victory over Sweden. What is "Proper England"? How brilliant is Lucy Bronze? Can Charli regain her love for this team before the semi-final?