Women,s new world

MATT BELL looks at how changing the dates of the season could help club and country…

For other leagues in Europe, they run through the traditional winter season, meaning when English clubs play in the Champions League, they aren’t as sharp as their opponents.

A September to May season will fall in line with European club competition.

Not only this, but women’s football will introduce something that has been talked about for a long time in the men’s game: a winter break.

The one in the WSL will take place from midDecember to mid-January, meaning players can recharge their batteries over Christmas and New Year, which should in the long-term benefit the English national team.

Before these changes come into place, there will be a one-off Spring Series, which removes the prospect of WSL teams not playing a competitive match for 10 months.

Though there will be no promotion or relegation, this competition, which takes place from February to June, will be beneficial to the Lionesses, who travel to the Netherlands to take part in Euro 2017 in July.

By having the players match-fit and sharp, could this finally be England’s time to truly shine on the international stage? And could an English women’s team finally win the Champions League and even the World Cup? Only time will tell…