The Women’s Super League’s growing global appeal has led clubs to field increasingly international line-ups, raising concerns about opportunities for English and other home nations’ players. London City Lionesses and Tottenham recently began matches with almost no British starters, prompting debate over whether the league’s success is damaging the player pathways that support England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The proportion of homegrown players starting at least half a season’s matches has fallen below one third over the past three seasons, despite a slight rise following the league’s expansion from 12 to 14 teams. This contrasts with France, Germany and Spain, where roughly 61% to 69% of regular starters are domestic players; managers acknowledge their responsibility to develop young talent but prioritise selecting the strongest team available.