DiscoverWhy Always She? - A Women’s Football Podcast
Why Always She? - A Women’s Football Podcast
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Why Always She? - A Women’s Football Podcast

Author: Charli Parkes

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Fancy a chat about women's football that's a little bit different? Join Charli and Matt for their alternative, fan-led take on the WSL, Champions League, international football and more. Get a fresh perspective on everything from trending topics to the littlest details only fans sitting in the stands would notice. 

77 Episodes
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This week Matt's back and him and Charli get into the state of the WSL title race. What's going on with Chelsea? Have City got what it takes this time? They also discuss whether Manchester United are struggling to juggle the league and the UWCL, and what is going on with Arsenal's latest dip in form. 
Charli's flying solo this weekend, giving you a rundown of the events of the WSL, including a very brief reflection on the controversial Arsenal vs Chelsea game. She then answers some of your questions, getting into VAR, World Cup Qualifiers and an update on the WSL2. 
This week Charli and Matt quickly discuss the Earps drama, before diving into what was promised would be a brief round-up of this week's events in the WSL but didn't turn out to be. Matt gives us a low-down on the NWSL playoffs, and Charli spotlights Real Sociedad's historic win over Barcelona in Liga F- the first time they've failed to score a goal in the league since 2020. 
Charli and Matt unpack the October international break with a quick recap on the goings-on around the globe, then a slightly deeper dive into England's window, their performances against Brazil and Australia, and key talking points. What did we learn about how the defensive line is shaping up? Is there a conundrum surrounding the starting number 9 spot? 
Charli and Matt tackle a grab-bag of topics as they review the first couple of weeks of the UWCL. How are the English teams getting on? What's going on with VAR and officiating? Should we be concerned about the serious injuries mounting up? What is wrong with PSG? Plus, Matt offers his expertise on his niche specialist subject: rupturing your PCL.
With the WSL season well underway, Charli and Matt do one of their favourite midseason activities - picking a player from each team who's performing well but perhaps flying under the radar slightly. Settle in and learn about all the players who are quietly making their teams tick. 
Charli and Matt reflect on the events of WSL Game Week 5 and what it taught us about the teams. Did we learn more about United or Chelsea? Why are Everton a bit baffling? Can stats help us get to the bottom of The ReSpursGence, and West Ham's meltdown?
This week Charli and Matt assess the current state of the Traditional Top 4 (with the caveat Spurs are currently Top 4 - you go Spurs!). Will Arsenal's dropped points prove too costly? Can United challenge with their lack of depth? How will City fare? Can anyone, anywhere, stop Chelsea?
Remembering Matt Beard

Remembering Matt Beard

2025-09-2358:21

This week the team start off by taking a moment to pay tribute to Matt Beard, who passed away on Saturday at 47 years old. "Beardy" was and always will be an icon and true champion of the women's game, but more than anything was known for his kindness and compassion off the pitch. It's been touching and emotional to read, see and hear all the tributes coming in from across the football community. He'll be missed, and thoughts go to his family, friends and loved ones. Hopefully Charli and Matt can then lift your spirits a little by highlighting some top performances from this weekend's games with a lesser-spotted WAS Team of the Week.
This week Charli and Matt discuss what they've learned about changing team dynamics and key player roles after the first couple of games in the WSL. What is going on at Liverpool? How will Tandberg galvanise Spurs? What does Hasegawa's more advanced role mean for City? Also, Matt picks a surprising key player for the newly promoted London City Lionesses.
Charli and Matt recap the action from the first game week of the 25/26 WSL season and get a sense check on where the various teams are. Is it the same old story with Chelsea? Are City set to be plagued by injuries again? Can London City Lionesses build on an impressive first half against Arsenal at the Emirates? United look sharp, but do they have the depth to really challenge this season? What is it with Liverpool and Everton at Anfield?!
Charli and Matt return for part 2 of their preview of the upcoming WSL season. They're not talking about the scandalous week at the Team Who Shall Not be Named (yet), but they are discussing: - How good will London City Lionesses actually be? - Can Man City bounce back from their nightmare season? - What's next for Chelsea? - Who will prove to be the most important signing?
Charli and Matt look back over the tournament, revisiting their predictions and how things ended up unfolding. And there's of course time for unpicking just how England managed to pull off their second Euros title (back-to-back, in case you hadn't heard). 
The team discuss another late comeback from England, as well as a heroic defensive shift from Germany, which could only be undone by the brilliance of Bonmati. Charli learns more valuable lessons about being a football fan, and Matt lays out what would be his grand plan to beat Spain in the final. 
Recovered from their England malaise, Charli and Matt get into the other two quarter finals. What did we learn about Spain from their eventual unlocking of Switzerland? Just how impressive was Germany's defensive shift against France (one player in particular)? They also get into how Germany may fare against Spain and what, if anything, Italy can do to beat England. 
Charli and Matt try to unpick England's bizarre victory over Sweden. What is "Proper England"? How brilliant is Lucy Bronze? Can Charli regain her love for this team before the semi-final? 
Slightly dazed from a week of drinking and the St Gallen heat, Charli and Matt rattle through the final group games and quickly preview the remaining games in Group D. It's very much pick your poison time for England who - should they get through - will face the daunting prospect of either Sweden or Germany in the quarter finals. Germany looked the ones to beat going into the tournament, but Sweden have emerged as serious prospect. 
In their first "report" from Switzerland, Charli and Matt (having calmed down about it now) dissect England's first group game and what they expect to see next from Wiegman's side. They also touch on the experience of watching Spain vs Belgium in a thundery Thun and the excitement happening in the other groups. 
Charli and Matt give you a whistle stop tour of the first 3 match days of Euro 2025. What did we learn? Which players stood out? Where does this leave the rest of the group games? 
Days away from the tournament, Charli and Matt try not to melt in the heat wave and give their suitably hot takes about England. What did we learn about Sarina's team selection in the send-off game against Jamaica? Who should play in the 10? Will England get grouped? And what does the future look like beyond this Euros? 
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