Women's Super League: Does WSL have a homegrown problem?

Image caption, Hannah Hampton and Lauren James are two players that have established themselves in the England starting XI under Sarina Wiegman (centre)

When London City Lionesses beat Manchester United on the opening night of the 2025-26 season, it suggested times were changing in the English women's game.

For some, that had become clear about an hour before kick-off in Bromley when the team news revealed a starting XI without any English players - the first time a Women's Super League side had done so on the first day of the season.

Two days later it happened again, when Scotland striker Kirsty Hanson was the only British player to start for Tottenham in their win over West Ham.

Both instances speak to the increasing ability of WSL clubs to attract top talents from across the globe, creating a league many now view as the world's best.