Crossways - A Women’s Football Show With Steph Houghton and Ian Wright

Ian Wright and Steph Houghton are back together in Manchester to talk through a huge weekend of football in England and Europe. As they recorded before kick off in Brighton v Arsenal, Steph sends a special message to Crossways viewers as City are crowned Barclays WSL champions. We start with Manchester City's nervy but necessary three points at home to Liverpool, as they won late through a Knaak header. Then to Arsenal, who were knocked out of UWCL by Lyon. They weren't good enough on the day, but how do our hosts reflect on Arsenal's season? Beth England will be departing Tottenham at the end of the WSL season - Steph and Wrighty ponder whether it was a wise decision. Promotion from WSL was decided at the weekend, with Birmingham City and Crystal Palace both returning to the top flight as Charlton will host Leicester in the playoff for WSL status - how will each team fare? Finally, predictions for this weekend's FA Cup semi finals and Aston Villa's match at home to Arsenal.
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Steph Houghton and Ian Wright react to Arsenal Women's 2-1 victory over OL Lyonnes in the UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal first leg, heaping praise on Olivia Smith and Arsenal's second-half performance and noting some criticisms about how OL Lyonnes played. After calling for goal line technology in last week's episode, our hosts discuss the moment of controversy in Everton's heavy loss to Chelsea. Manchester City's unexpected defeat at the feet of Brighton leads Steph and Wrighty on to Bunny Shaw's contract situation—will we see the striker move to Chelsea this summer? And we end with Manchester United after they refused questions from The Athletic in the post-match press conference. Where do they go from here, and can they salvage anything from this season?

(00:00) Welcome

(01:45) Arsenal v OL Lyonnes

(10:05) Title run in

(14:00) Brighton’s potential

(16:25) Bunny Shaw’s Contract

(21:04) Chelsea & Goal line technology

(22:47) Manchester United
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Ian Wright and Steph Houghton are back together in the studio! You asked, and they answered. Who is the best striker in the world right now? Who will finish in the top 3? What changes would they like to see in the WSL? And more... WSL predictions also return, with five tough-to-call fixtures this weekend. Play along and join the Crossways league at full-time-forecast.com
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Steph Houghton and Ian Wright reflect on the Lionesses' victory over Spain at Wembley earlier this week. They focus on Lauren James's incomparable ability, Georgia Stanway's improvement and potential move to Arsenal, Esme Morgan's bravery and Lucia Kendall's opportunity against the world champions. Our hosts then discuss Marie-Louise Eta, who is breaking down barriers, having been appointed as head coach for Union Berlin's men's team until the end of the season.

(00:00) Welcome

(01:55) Baller League

(03:28) Lionesses v Spain

(05:20) Lucy Bronze

(07:40) Lucia Kendall

(09:30) Esme Morgan

(13:23) Georgia Stanway

(16:59) Lauren Hemp's goal

(18:15) Spain lacking composure

(21:57) Lauren James

(24:15) Marie-Louise Eta at Union Berlin
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Ian Wright and Steph Houghton are joined in the studio by former USWNT, Boston Breakers and Chicago Red Stars forward Stephanie McCaffrey! Steph moved over to London to become Co-Owner and Director of Women's Football at Leyton Orient FC, who play in the seventh tier of women's football in England. Our hosts ask Steph about the intricacies of her role, how it compares to football in the USA, and what needs to change. They also discuss Emma Hayes's USWNT and the proposed changes to the Women's FA Cup.

(00:00) Welcome

(01:45) Joining Leyton Orient

(03:15) NWSL and USWNT Career

(07:22) Role at Leyton Orient and Recruitment

(12:48) Fan Culture in UK v USA

(13:40) Ambitions + implementing change

(16:07) Why Tier 7?

(23:30) FA Cup

(25:20) Inspirations + Michelle Kang

(26:52) Retirement

(29:43) Emma Hayes’s USWNT

(32:00) Padel

(36:15) “Work hard and be nice to people”
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