Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

A HUGE Wembley showdown! | England vs USA Preview

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The wait is nearly over: the Lionesses take on Emma Hayes' USA in just TWO days! We ponder on the problems Sarina Wiegman could use this friendly to a...

Skinner buries his head in the sand, the Euros play-offs are here, and Marta’s mum

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In amidst the Conti Cup, there was a top four battle in the WSL! Well, top five. Sorry Chloe.We give our reaction to Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Man ...

Tanya Oxtoby on her coaching philosophy, developing young talent and what Euro 2025 would mean for Northern Ireland

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just over a year into her role as Northern Ireland head coach, Tanya Oxtoby joins us in the studio to reflect on her journey so far as she prepares fo...

Chelsea take control and Matt Beard takes on the refs

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The French Revolution continues under Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea! Chloe and Rachel react to a statement victory over Manchester City thanks to a state...

Inter’s Sofie Junge Pedersen on fighting Fifa’s partnership with Saudi oil giant Aramco

14 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen is at the forefront of a powerful movement urging Fifa to end its sponsorship deal with Saudi oil giant Aram...

Unstoppable Chelsea and the footballer trying to transform ACL analysis

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The season’s big showdown is almost here: Chelsea vs Manchester City. On today’s pod, Chloe and Rachel look at the numbers behind Chelsea’s sens...

Leading the way: Crystal Palace captain Aimee Everett on life in the WSL

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After a tough start to their first WSL campaign, Crystal Palace captain Aimee Everett is here to give us the lowdown on how they’ve steadied the shi...

The WSL's winless trio and is the new TV deal a huge step forward?

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Over a quarter of the way through the season and Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton are still winless. Who’s going to drag themselves out of the mire...

Lionesses legend Kerry Davis on breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations

31 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

To mark the final day of Black History Month, Chloe sat down with a true trailblazer in English football: the first black woman to play for the Liones...

Germany get their revenge on the Lionesses and the WSL returns

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Alright everyone, stay calm - the Lionesses have lost a game. Nothing to panic about.Chloe and Rachel pick through a chaotic Friday night at Wembley t...

Young Lionesses head coach Natalie Henderson on the U17 Women’s World Cup!

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The level of youth women's football is better than it's ever been. Rach is in the Dominican Republic for the U17 World Cup and sat down with England's...

Rytting Kaneryd supercharges Chelsea and the Euros play-offs begin!

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Karate Kaneryd struck on Sunday night with a stunning volley as Chelsea sunk Spurs 5-2. But it wasn’t a game without controversy! Chloe and Rachel d...

Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal exit and what it tells us about fan culture

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just as we were about to press record… Jonas Eidevall resigned as Arsenal head coach. What went wrong? Had things reached fever pitch with the Arsen...

Carla Ward on the Paris Olympics, leaving Villa and her next steps

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward joins Chloe and Rachel in the studio for a special, all-encompassing chat. We get the lowdown on her time...

A six-goal thriller and the Champions League returns!

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel look back on two drama-filled games in the WSL, featuring some brilliant goals – looking at you, Marie Höbinger.Plus, we welcome t...

How North Korea has become a powerhouse in women's football

03 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

North Korea won the Under 20 Women’s World Cup for a third time last month, meaning they are now one of the most successful sides in the tournament’...

A Spurs-Villa classic and calendar chaos

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was Rach’s birthday yesterday! And Chloe has a cake for her. And candles! Lots and lots of candles.After nearly burning down the studio, they dis...

Arsenal vs BK Häcken Champions League preview!

26 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Everything is on the line for Arsenal and Jonas Eidevall tonight as they head into their decisive second leg qualifier. Can they turn it around? Today...

An awkward car journey, Chelsea’s new era begins, and WSL history is made!

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The 2024/25 WSL season is officially underway! Chloe and Rachel are here to react to it all – including countless controversies (or so Chloe tells u...

WSL opening weekend preview!

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

And Chloe has hatched a plan. Why wouldn’t you want to pop yourself in the boot of Viv Miedema and Beth Mead’s car to find out what they’re talk...

Our 2024/25 WSL predictions!

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time. Chloe and Rachel put their flagpoles in the sand as they reveal their big WSL predictions ahead of the new season!Who will be this season...

Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn on ‘Bobbyball’, Grace Clinton, and developing the next Lionesses

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel is joined by Spurs’ head coach Robert Vilahamn for a special, wide-ranging interview!He dials in from Spurs’ pre-season training camp to re...

USWNT take gold, Spain take nothing, and Nikita Parris’ next move

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

That’s a wrap on the Olympics! And just 84 days after winning the WSL with Chelsea, Emma Hayes had a gold medal with the USWNT around her neck. Rach...

Emma Hayes’ American dream, Olympics latest, and spygate explained

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Come for a bumper Upfront, stay for Chloe’s impersonation of a drone.Chloe and Rachel are BACK! They discuss the story so far at Emma Hayes’ USA –...

What has happened at Reading?

19 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While some of football’s biggest names are being chased by elite clubs in Europe and beyond this summer, one story has shown the stark economic real...

England get the job done and Ireland stun France

18 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

But do England fans need to start changing their expectations? Chloe and Rach react to that edgy 0-0 draw with Sweden in Gothenburg which secured the ...

England are one step away from Euro 2025 and Lyon eye McCabe?!

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Lionesses downed Ireland last week, but some familiar problems in front of goal left Chloe and Rachel longing for the days of Ellen White!We discu...

A crucial Lionesses qualifier and what’s going on at Man United?!

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back! We’re separated by an ocean and haven’t spoken in a few weeks but we had to jump on for another episode, as the transfer market hots...

A much improved England beat France!

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back with a bonus episode after England tried the exact same thing against France - but got a win!We celebrate some impressive performances fr...

The Lionesses drop points and FIFA’s step in the right direction

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back after England came out on the wrong side of a tussle with France - should we accept that this is part of the harder qualification process...

Everything you need to know about Brazil hosting the 2027 World Cup!

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Brazil is set to become the first-ever South American country to host a Women’s World Cup, as they’ve won the 2027 bid!So what will this World Cup...

Barça and Putellas rule Europe again and England prepare for France

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Barcelona toppled the mighty Lyon for the very first time on Saturday! Chloe and Rachel react to an epic spectacle and the fairytale ending to a diffi...

The 2023/24 Upfront Awards!

24 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Who was our player of the season? Who was our manager of the season? And – most importantly of all – what was our WTF moment of the season?!The pr...

Chelsea fans on Emma Hayes' legacy

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On the final day of the WSL season, Chloe and Rachel spoke to a range of Chelsea voices around Old Trafford about Emma Hayes, what she means to them, ...

The WSL finale

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel reflect on the final weekend of the WSL and discuss the season’s winners and losers.Did Manchester City bottle it and how can ...

Chelsea lift the WSL trophy at Old Trafford!

18 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Clo and Rach give their reactions to an astonishing day at Old Trafford and a fairytale ending for Emma Hayes. From Mayra Ramírez’s incredible disp...

Man United punish Spurs and Miedema leaves Arsenal?!

14 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The sun was out, the good times were flowing, Chloe and Rachel were back together at Box Park… the weekend felt like Euro 2022 all over again! And t...

How Spurs went from non-league to FA Cup finalists

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This Sunday is a first for Tottenham Hotspur: it will be their first EVER Women’s FA Cup final. And it’s been quite the journey over the past 20 y...

Inspiring young women with Premier League Changemakers

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Back in March, Chloe and Rachel came together with over 50 young women and dozens of coaches for a very special event with the Premier League at the&n...

This title race ain’t over yet!

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

WHAT a week in the WSL! Clo and Rach try to make sense of it all after three minutes and two Stina Blackstenius shots sent the WSL trophy back towards...

Bristol City Head Coach Lauren Smith on relegation, rebuilding, and the WSL resource gap

02 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bristol City’s relegation was confirmed last Sunday after defeat to Manchester City. Today, Lauren Smith joins Rachel on the pod to reflect on releg...

The end of Emma Hayes’ Champions League dream

30 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea and Emma Hayes’ Champions League run is over! Barcelona broke yet more hearts in front of a sold out Stamford Bridge – and Hayes was left ...

'Dirty' Chelsea beat Barça and Crystal Palace prepare for the WSL!

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Barcelona in mid-April. Stephanie Frappart in the middle. Emma Hayes with her formal blue coat on. It can only mean one thing: an ICONIC Champions Lea...

Sophie Baggaley on her first season at Brighton, Mary Earps, and learning to play with her feet

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re joined by the goalkeeper who has made the most saves in the WSL this season: it’s Brighton No.1, Sophie Baggaley!Rachel sat down with...

Man United halt Chelsea, Spurs reach Wembley, and Rachel Daly’s “sexy versatility”

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re only just getting our breath back from two stunning FA Cup semi-finals! And Chloe has finally stopped communicating exclusively with all-caps ...

Bay FC General Manager Lucy Rushton on building a club from scratch and pulling off the most expensive transfer ever

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Bay FC are the new kids on the block in the NWSL – and before a ball had even been kicked, they had made huge moves in the game. From Jen Beattie, t...

England get questioned, Wales turn on the style, and Ireland’s underrated chances

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re here a day early because we need to answer some important questions. Should people be worrying about England after their underwhelming draw ag...

England U23s coach Emma Coates on nurturing the next generation of Lionesses

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered how England develop their next crop of stars? We’ve got all the answers for you on today’s pod! Rachel sat down with the brilliant E...

A dramatic Conti Cup final and goodbye Steph Houghton

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone has gone full-blown Poirot after the Conti Cup final, so Chloe and Rachel get their monocles out and get to the bottom of all the drama betwe...

West Ham VP Queenie Porter on the WSL’s billion dollar future

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Back in February, West Ham Women’s Vice President and Managing Director of Wow Hydrate Queenie Porter said that she thinks women’s football will o...

Derby Day recap, Arsenal conspiracy theories and Chelsea’s huge week

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We look back over a tasty Women’s Football Weekend that saw Man City’s title charge rumble on, painting Manchester blue in the process. Has Jess P...

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor on their incredible season, developing resilience, and this weekend’s derby

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of one of the biggest games of the season, Rachel sat down with Man City boss Gareth Taylor for a chat about how they’ve found themselves at t...

Chelsea cruise past Arsenal and relationships in women’s football

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsea worked their socks off on Friday night – but the less said about socks the better…Chloe and Rach look back on a huge win for Chelsea in th...

Cup chaos and Copa 71

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for today’s cup chaos special, as we recap all the results from across the weekend. Man City were knocked out of both cup competitions in th...

The three-horse race continues and a 10-goal thriller!

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Arsenal overcame Spurs in the North London derby, while Manchester City and Chelsea kept up their side of the bargain. So where’s the trophy going?!...

Khalida Popal on the fight for Afghanistan’s national team to play football again

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With just over a week to go until International Women’s Day, we wanted to welcome a truly inspirational woman in football onto the podcast.Khalida P...

England’s next gen, the Russo and Mead combo, and Spain march into the Olympics

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The girls are apart this week with Rach in Marbella and Chloe… not in Marbella, sadly. So there is lots to catch up on from the international break!...

A blockbuster weekend in the WSL!

20 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’d been itching for last weekend for a while – and it didn’t disappoint! Unless you were Chloe Morgan in a box at the Emirates, that is.Chloe ...

Georgia Ball on what it takes to be a top-level official

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel’s back with a bonus episode, where she’s joined by WSL assistant referee, Georgia Ball!As an assistant referee in the WSL and a Championshi...

Keating’s redemption, Parris left out again, and trouble for Euro 2025

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Two months ago, Khiara Keating left Meadow Park in tears. On Sunday, she left it as Manchester City’s hero! Chloe and Rachel look back on a hug...

Marieanne Spacey-Cale: the woman behind Southampton’s rise up the leagues

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we are joined by English football royalty. Chloe sits down with former England and Arsenal player Marieanne Spacey-Cale, who has guided Southam...

Arsenal’s hammer blow, Brighton’s week of chaos, and why becoming a coach is so hard

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Leah Williamson was back and it was all looking so promising for Arsenal. But then… enter West Ham!Chloe and Rachel look back on a huge defeat that ...

Demi Stokes on the title race, being the ‘mum’ at Man City, and her future as a firefighter!

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re joined by an England and Manchester City legend who is absolutely GREAT craic too: it’s the one and only, Demi Stokes!Chloe and Rache...

Miedema 2.0, Roord’s heartbreak, and a relegation rumpus

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We all thought the race for the WSL title was the real spectacle this season. But no: it’s actually Bristol City’s blow-up apple race at half-time...

Chelsea battle into the UWCL knockouts

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re at Stamford Bridge for our first EVER episode at a Champions League game! Chloe and Rachel bring you their reaction to Chelsea’s hard-fought...

Kristie Mewis vs the wind and Lauren James vs the world

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The WSL is back! Chloe and Rachel are here to give it a warm welcome after its winter hibernation – and we kick off with one of the windiest footbal...

BONUS: Chelsea star Niamh Charles on Hayes, Man United, and the Champions League

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rachel heads to Stamford Bridge to speak to one of Chelsea’s most quietly influential players: it’s Niamh Charles!Niamh gives her honest thoughts ...

FA Cup review, a big return for Man United, and Wiegman stays at England!

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The news is out! Sarina Wiegman will be staying on as the head coach of the Lionesses until at least the 2027 World Cup.Chloe and Rachel react to that...

BONUS: Chatting with Durham Captain Sarah Wilson

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of Durham’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday, Chloe sits down with their captain and one of the longest-serving players in their history, ...

Chelsea’s heir to Kerr, January deals, and Lucía Leon joins us!

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back! Chloe and Rachel react to gutting news that the WSL’s sharpshooter, Sam Kerr, is out with an ACL injury for the rest of the season and...

Revisited: ACL injuries in Women’s Football

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After news of Sam Kerr’s ACL injury broke at the weekend, we wanted to revisit our exploration of ACL injuries in women’s football just over 12 mo...

Our Top Five Stories of 2023!

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel count down their top five stories from one heck of a year! Featuring emotional moments in Australia, a title race to end all title ra...

Our WSL mid-season review!

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The title race, the relegation battle, the top four disruptors – it’s all on the table on today’s ep!Chloe and Rachel give a top-to-bottom revie...

BONUS: Inside Arsenal's fan culture

11 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of Sunday’s showdown against Chelsea, Chloe and Rachel headed to - that’s right - Wetherspoons! After steaming through many pints and cooked...

Arsenal stun Chelsea!

10 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re at the Emirates! Chloe and Rachel took in a dramatic 90 minutes between two of the WSL’s heavyweights and then headed to the press box to re...

Dutch Courage, NewCo, and the New Champions League

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

England fought back on Friday! Not that Chloe would know, she was already on her way to Boxpark…Chloe and Rachel discuss the showdown with Scotland,...

The Roebuck Riddle and Sinclair’s Send-Off

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What’s going on with Ellie Roebuck? Chloe and Rachel try to figure out the question on everyone’s lips on today’s show!While Roebuck failed to m...

Sweary Earps, devastating James, and player drug tests

20 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Earps, I did it again.Chloe and Rachel look back on an eventful Manchester derby where Mary Earps once again swore in full view of the cameras – and...

New disruptors, Rapinoe’s last bow, and the UWCL returns!

13 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Just when you thought the WSL was about to calm down, it throws up a weekend like that!Chloe and Rachel unpack Brighton’s shock defeat of Manchester...

Stay another day, Emma Hayes

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel react to Saturday’s seismic news that Emma Hayes will be leaving Chelsea - and the WSL - at the end of the season! We discuss ...

England’s forward line, Germany’s odd situation, and USA’s next coach!

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel bring you a tour of all the international action! Sarina Wiegman continues her transformation from Consistency Queen to Surprise...

Return of the Viv, diversity in the WSL, and the Champions League format

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the WSL’s best ever players returned to the pitch on Sunday. No, it wasn’t Chloe Morgan – it was Viv Miedema!Clo and Rach pick apart Spur...

Last minute drama in England and last day drama in the US!

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel discuss Beth Mead’s dramatic comeback, why the Foxes continue to outsmart every rabbit in the WSL, and look forward to Mark Skinner...

An interview with Claire Bloomfield, Head of Women’s Football at the ECA

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

On today’s bonus episode, Chloe and Rachel are joined by Claire Bloomfield. She’s the Head of Women’s Football at the European Club Association,...

Friday Night Lights and time-wasting delights

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Loads more WSL action for us to get stuck into, after Arsenal and Man United played out a cracker under the Friday night lights, with orchestras and d...

Arsenal's worst possible start and Leicester leave the relegation group chat

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re very comfortable with our title as “women’s football experts” but we have to admit that the opening weekend of the WSL made some of us l...

The WSL returns!

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel are back to preview the opening weekend of the WSL 2023/24 campaign and the season as a whole!What lies in wait? Which players should...

The Lionesses are back and Spain’s boycott ends

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Before Thursday’s WSL preview, Chloe and Rachel discuss the first round of Nations League fixtures! Were England really as bad as everyone made out?...

Rubiales, Man United, and the Nations League

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back! And guess what? We’re diving headfirst into the chaos.Chloe and Rachel discuss all the biggest stories since the end of the World Cup,...

The Lionesses fall at the last hurdle

20 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In our final episode Down Under, Chloe and Rachel convene in the bowels of the Olympic Stadium in Sydney to discuss the 2023 World Cup final, where Sp...

History beckons for England

19 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

History, here we come.Chloe and Rachel preview the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup! We discuss the media’s suggestion to put Lauren James in s...

England reach the World Cup final

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The Lionesses have reached their first ever World Cup final! And they only went and beat the bloody hosts en route!We praise England’s role as the p...

Spain reach their first final and England vs Australia preview

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We have our first World Cup finalists, after Spain squeeze past Sweden via a chaotic final ten minutes! We celebrate some amazing performances from va...

England reach another World Cup semi-final & The Matildas win an epic penalty shoot-out

12 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How about that England fans? Another semi-final! Were you calm like Chloe watching that match or did you want to throw your tele out the window like R...

France continue to impress and our quarter-finals preview

09 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s properly business time! Chloe and Rachel reconvene to look ahead to the quarter-finals, after France swatted Morocco aside and Jamaica’s spir...

England scrape through and the USA are gone!

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rachel catch their breath after a shoddy England were almost knocked out by a vastly superior Nigeria. But we march on!Elsewhere, the US are...

Germany crash out to finish an epic group stage!

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

For the first time ever, Germany are out of the World Cup before the knockouts. Chloe is fresh back from the stadium in Brisbane to react to it all wi...

England turn on the style and USA survive by the skin of their… post

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

England are back, baby! Chloe and Rachel giddily reconvene after England’s stylish 6-1 win, with Lauren James further cementing herself as the jewel...

Australia turn the tables and Germany suffer a shock!

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yet more chaos from Down Under for Rachel and Chloe to get stuck into, as Australia defy expectations and turn in a ruthless performance - even withou...

Another cagey Lionesses win and the USWNT’s rivals catch up

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Chloe and Rach break out the wine for a post-England debrief. Another 1-0 win means progression is all but secured - we rave about Lauren James, pour ...