BBC Women's Football Weekly

BBC Radio 5 Live
  • 4.9 (38)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. Extra: Inside England with Freya Godfrey and Lucia Kendall

    2d ago

    Extra: Inside England with Freya Godfrey and Lucia Kendall

    Ben Haines and Em Sanders are back at St. George’s Park for the final time this season as England prepare for their next World Cup qualifying games, knowing they can seal a place at next summer's World Cup finals in Brazil if they avoid defeat against Spain on Friday. Whilst Em was on press conference duties, Ben had the chance to sit down with two of the Lionesses rising stars, Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall and London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey. Ben chats to the duo about their time within the England environment over the past year, to Lucia about her experience of playing against Spain’s midfield stars back in April, to Freya about her mindset as she patiently waits for her first senior international cap, and from a player perspective, what it’s like to see so many huge names linked with moves to the WSL this summer. Plus, Em and Ben look back at the FA Cup final as Manchester City secured their first ever domestic double and Em gives us a quick fire run down of the transfer window so far in what is set to be a blockbuster summer. Live commentary of Spain v England from Mallorca Son Moix Stadium will be on 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Friday 5th June, kick off is at 8pm with all the build up from 7pm. TIMECODES: 00:03 - Ben and Em are back at St. George’s Park, the home of England. 04:08 - Lucia Kendall and Freya Godfrey sit down with Ben. 12:03 - Lucia and Freya preview Spain v England on Friday and playing against some of the best in the world. 16:50 - Freya talks patience and her mindset as she waits for her first England cap. 19:40 - How will the Ukraine game be different for the Lionesses? 21:10 - What was their experience like at the World Sevens tournament in Brentford. 23:15 - Their thoughts on transfer rumours and the huge names being linked with moves to the WSL. 27:30 - Em and Ben reflect on Lucia and Freya’s interview. 29:20 - Reaction to Manchester City’s FA Cup final win against Brighton. 35:30 - Em’s quick fire transfer round up.

    38 min

  2. 3d ago

    Takeover Tuesday with Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson!

    Ellen White and Jen Beattie are in the driving seat for an international break takeover with Ben on England duty at St. George's Park! They look ahead to England's crucial World Cup qualifiers, with the Lionesses knowing that they can seal a place in Brazil next summer if they avoid defeat against Spain on Friday. Plus, they look ahead to Scotland's double-header against Israel, which will be played behind closed doors in Hungary. And fresh from signing a two-year contract extension, Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson joins the pod. She talks to Ellen and Jen about the importance of family values within the Wales squad, the benefits of the longer international windows and celebrating the 150th anniversary of the FAW. Live commentary of Spain v England, live from Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, is on 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Friday 5th June, kick off is 8pm. TIMECODES: 00:10 - It’s takeover Tuesday with Ellen and Jen 00:50 - Ellen and Jen look ahead to Spain v England 06:50 - Preview of Scotland’s double header against Israel behind closed doors. 08:35 - Claire Emslie is back Scotland, five months on from giving birth. 16:35 - Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson joins the pod.

    37 min
  3. Extra: The big FA Cup Final preview

    May 29

    Extra: The big FA Cup Final preview

    All eyes will be on Wembley this Sunday as Brighton & Hove Albium take on Manchester City in the final of the Women's FA Cup. The fixture brings a close to the domestic season and our reporters Em Sanders and Maz Farookhi have been chatting to members of both squads ahead of the showpiece event. Maz caught up with Brighton and Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to chat about her first season in England, making history with the club and her special connection with the fans. Plus US forward Madison Haley, who has played a key role in getting the team to Wembley with her goals throughout the competition, chats to Maz about her brilliant form, connection with her teammates and just how nice it would be to end the trophy with some silverware. Manchester City will be hoping to complete a domestic double after lifting their first WSL title in a decade a couple of weeks ago. Em Sanders also went over to their training ground to chat to German midfielder Sydney Lohmann about her first season in England, the challenges she's faced both on and off the pitch and adding finishing the season with a flourish. Live commentary of the Women's FA Cup final can be heard on 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Sunday 31st May, kick off is at 3pm. TIMECODES: 01:00 - Chiamaka Nnadozie interview. 08:11 - Madison Haley interview 19:17 - Sydney Lohmann interview

    30 min

  4. May 26

    Bunny Shaw stays, Alexia Putellas leaves and Charlton are promoted!

    Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines unpack another week of huge headlines in the world of women’s football! The team start with the news that Manchester City striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has signed a new four-year contract with the club, just days after it looked like she would be leaving the Women's Super League champions this summer. It was a weekend of finals as Charlton Athletic gained promotion to the WSL for the first time, beating Leicester City in a penalty shootout. Ellen and Jen discuss Sophie Whitehouse’s penalty heroics and what relegation means for Leicester. Just days after captaining Barcelona to their fourth Champions League title, Alexia Putellas has announced she is leaving the club after 14 seasons. The team give their immediate reactions to the news and reflect on the final itself as Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo scored two goals each to seal emphatic Barca win over Lyon. Plus, the domestic season comes to an end at Wembley this weekend with Manchester City and Brighton fighting for the last piece of silverware in the FA Cup final. Will it be a domestic double for City or a historic win for the Seagulls? Full commentary of this game will be on 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Sunday 31st May, kick off is at 3pm. TIMECODES 00:10 - Ellen, Jen and Ben are all in the same country! 03:00 - Bunny Shaw signs a new deal with Manchester City after a contract u-turn. 09:55 - Charlton Athletic gain promotion to the WSL for the first time in their history. 14:50 - What does this now mean for Leicester City? 17:20 - Sophie Whitehouse's penalty masterclass. 20:44 - Amalie Thestrup chats to Mark Chapman. 23:55 - Ewa Pajor stars as Barcelona win their fourth Champions League title. 32:00 - Alexia Putellas is leaving Barcelona after 14 seasons at the club. 35:40 - Preview of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Brighton.

    41 min

  5. May 19

    Big name departures, Man City celebrate, and a blockbuster Saturday

    The Women's Super League season has been wrapped up and Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines are here to unpack it all. They start by looking at some of the players who were key to Manchester City's first title in a decade, plus reflect on an emotional final day of the WSL as we watched some iconic figures represent their clubs for one last time. The 2025-26 WSL Football Awards also took place on Monday night and the team give their verdict on the winners. We hear from England manager Sarina Wiegman who has been chatting to Em Sanders after naming her England squad for the final two 2027 Women’s World Cup European qualifiers. Plus, it's a blockbuster day of football on Saturday! Charlton and Leicester City will compete to determine who gets the final spot in the newly expanded WSL for the 2026/27 season and European giants Lyon and Barcelona meet in the Champions League final. TIMECODES: 02:05 - Who were the key players in Manchester City’s WSL title win? 07:30 - Round up of results on the final day of the season. 08:40 - More big departures across the league, starting with Katie McCabe. 13:50 - Sam Kerr departs Chelsea and Gemma Bonner leaves Liverpool. 16:15 - Big characters and leaders leaving the WSL. 20:15 - Our verdict on the 2025/26 WSL Football Awards. 26:55 - Sarina Wiegman on the latest Lionesses squad announcement. 34:23 - Charlton take on Leicester in a winner-takes-all WSL play-off. 39:55 - Barcelona and Lyon meet in the Champions League final.

    48 min

  6. May 12

    Manchester City win WSL title & Brighton reach first FA Cup final

    Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines consider the moments that led to Manchester City ending their decade-long wait for a WSL title. As for their top goal scorer Khadija Shaw, how significant would losing her to rivals Chelsea be? And what must City do to back up this season's success? With Brighton reaching their first ever women's FA cup final, manager Dario Vidosic joins the pod as they chase the club's first major silverware. What's clicked for them in what could end up being their best ever WSL season?  Plus, the panel have their say on Beth Mead's departure from Arsenal; how will she be remembered there and where is her next move? This episode discusses death and the loss of a parent. If you or someone you know is in need of help, visit www.bbc.co.uk/actionline. TIMECODES: 2:40 Manchester City win WSL title 10:40 Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's influence 22'19 Dario Vidosic interview 32:32 Beth Mead leaves Arsenal 40:30 How does this season rank, as a spectacle?

    45 min
  7. Extra: Lucy Staniforth on retirement, pride and a love-hate relationship with football

    May 7

    Extra: Lucy Staniforth on retirement, pride and a love-hate relationship with football

    Aston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth has announced her retirement from football at the end of the season and sits down with Em Sanders to discuss her decision at why she is 'at ease' with her career. The 33-year-old began her career at Sunderland in 2008 and has gone on to represent seven clubs, the most of any player in the Women's Super League. Staniforth also earned 17 caps for England and was an FA Cup runner-up in 2009 and 2013. Lucy chats to Em about the start of her journey, breaking into Sunderland's first team at the age of 16, her love-hate relationship with football over the years and shaking the 'Lucy the footballer' label as she starts a new life away from the pitch. Live commentary of Lucy's final WSL home game for Aston Villa, against Arsenal, is on Sports Extra on Saturday 9th at midday.

    18 min

  8. May 5

    Arsenal exit Europe, City leave it late and WSL promotion parties

    Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines reflect on a busy weekend of football from European exits to the finale of the WSL 2 season. Arsenal’s hopes of defending their European title ended on Saturday as they were beaten by Lyon. The team react to a standout display from Melchie Dumournay and Arsenal’s European campaign as a whole. Barcelona also became the first club to reach six consecutive UWCL finals, but can we read anything into Alexia Putellas’ emotional departure from the pitch at the Camp Nou? Manchester City left it late to ensure that winning the Women's Super League remains in their hands. Ellen and Jen discuss the importance of City finding a way to win and touch on the brilliance of Lauren James after Chelsea secured European football for next season. Plus, the WSL 2 came to a dramatic conclusion with Birmingham City and Crystal Palace gaining promotion to the Women's Super League. Hayley Ladd joins the pod to chat Crystal Palace making an immediate return to the WSL and Martha Harris chats to the team about promotion parties after beating Charlton the final day to finish top of the table! Ellen, Jen and Ben also look ahead to this weekend’s FA Cup semi-finals as Brighton take on Liverpool and Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge. TIMECODES: 02:11 - Arsenal’s hopes of defending their European title were ended by Lyon. 10:25 - Lyon and Barcelona will meet in the UWCL final, again! 15:30 - Round up of new WSL contracts and departure news. 16:55 - Manchester City seal a win in the Knaack of time! 18:55 - Chelsea confirm their spot in the Champions League next season. 21:40 - Ellen is set to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame! 23:38 - A dramatic final day in the WSL 2. 28:22 - Crystal Palace midfielder Hayley Ladd joins the pod. 34:40 - Birmingham City defender Martha Harris joins the pod. 40:09 - We look ahead to the FA Cup semi-finals.

    47 min
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4.9
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

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.

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