When Bethany England was six years old, she dreamed of scoring goals in front of packed stadiums. More than two decades later, the 32-year-old striker is still chasing that dream — this time with a club on the rise.
Crystal Palace Women, newly promoted back into the top-tier Women's Super League, announced the signing of England on a free transfer this week. The deal runs for two years with an option for a further 12 months. She will wear the number nine shirt.
England arrives with serious credentials. During her career, she has scored 87 goals in the WSL, making her one of the most prolific strikers in the league's history. She left Tottenham Hotspur as their all-time top scorer in the league with 32 goals, having captained the club during a period of significant growth.
Before Tottenham, England spent seven years at Chelsea, where she helped the club win four WSL titles along with two Women's FA Cups and two Women's League Cups. She was also part of the England national team, the Lionesses, when they won the European Championship in 2022 and finished runners-up at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Crystal Palace gained promotion to the WSL last season after finishing runners-up in the second division. The club has now earned promotion twice in recent years, a turnaround that impressed England.
"Palace are an ambitious club," England said in a club statement. "They've been in the WSL before, they've had two amazing promotions now, and I think you can see their investment in the women's game. They're really pushing to be among the best, and they've got amazing facilities."
England described the move as an opportunity to make history. "It's a place where I hope that I can make a lot of good memories, score a lot of goals, and make some history for the football club," she said.
Manager Jo Potter said she was delighted to secure the signing. "She has scored goals wherever she has gone, and I am sure she will be crucial for us next season."
For England, the chance to join a club with clear ambitions feels like the right fit. "It feels great to sign for Crystal Palace," she said. "I'm very excited to be here, and I'm looking forward to meeting all the girls and getting started."
With the new season on the horizon, Crystal Palace will be hoping their newest number nine can help them stay afloat — and perhaps climb — in England's top flight.