Having both missed out on automatic qualification for the World Cup, England and Ireland each face the play-offs in the autumn! England may have beaten Ukraine, but got the game plan very wrong against the Spanish, who appeared to be wearing boots that magnetised the ball to their feet.

In other seismic news, it looks like two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is London City-bound! Chloe and Rachel try to wrap their heads around what this could mean for the WSL. Finally, women’s football infrastructure expert Sarah Rock joins us to chat about purpose-built stadiums for the women’s game and the divisive idea of ‘regional grounds’.

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For ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.

**Please rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!**

Upfront is your definitive women's football podcast, covering the WSL, the Lionesses, and beyond. Subscribe for new podcasts every Tuesday throughout the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brighton put up a good fight but were ultimately blown away by Manchester City in the FA Cup Final. What’s more, Andrée Jeglertz’ team has been given a massive boost by Bunny Shaw announcing she’ll be staying! Could this be the start of a sky blue dynasty?

While City fans celebrate, Arsenal fans have been left somewhere between shocked and fuming by Katie McCabe’s transfer to rivals Chelsea. It is hard to resist the champions of the World Sevens, in fairness. Rachel was on the ground at that wacky tournament and is here to tell us all about it.

Finally, it’s that time again. England vs Spain for what feels like the millionth time.

Follow us on X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.

For ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.

**Please rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!**

Upfront is your definitive women's football podcast, covering the WSL, the Lionesses, and beyond. Subscribe for new podcasts every Tuesday throughout the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel headed to The Valley to witness history: the first EVER WSL play-off to decide whether Leicester City would preserve their WSL status, or if it would be Charlton Athletic's time to shine in the top flight.

As well as a pumping atmosphere, we speak to fans on both sides about their seasons, and hear from Chief Marketing Officer of WSL Football Ruth Hooper about this format and the raft of other changes introduced this season. Plus, you'll hear our verdict on the game and Chloe Morgan's real-time reactions to a truly memorable penalty shootout...

Follow us on X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.

For ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble.

**Please rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!**

Upfront is your definitive women's football podcast, covering the WSL, the Lionesses, and beyond. Subscribe for new podcasts every Tuesday throughout the season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.