Crossways is a brand-new podcast hosted by former England internationals Steph Houghton and Ian Wright.
The two football legends are combining their experience for this weekly women’s football podcast, which will bring the latest on the Barclays WSL and more.
It will also include stories from girls’ grassroots football, as well as taking a look behind the scenes of the women’s game.
Over the last seven years, the ‘Lioness effect’ has seen the number of women’s and girls’ football teams in England more than double.
A Lioness icon herself, Steph Houghton retired in March this year with 100 caps for England. She captained Manchester City, the national team and Team GB squad at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics – and has been instrumental in the rise of women’s football in the UK.
She says of the new podcast: “We both love football and with the women’s game we come at it from totally different perspectives, which is what makes Crossways unique.
“I’m really happy to be doing this show alongside Ian. His playing career speaks for itself, but he’s also been one of the most consistent voices around women’s football.
“It’s another new start for me. Now in my post-playing career, this is an exciting opportunity to have real in-depth football conversations and connect with the wider women’s football community.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has been a driving force in women’s football, using his voice to drive progress at every level of the game.
He says: “I’m really excited for Crossways and that I get to do this with Steph, who I love and respect.
“She’s had such an incredible career at the very top level. She’s seen and experienced some of the most important stages in women’s football, so when we bumped into each other after her retirement, we got talking and instantly knew that we wanted to do something together. So I’m glad that the day has arrived.
“It’s going to be a big season with the next Women’s Euros in the summer – and there’s loads to play for in the Barclays WSL.”
Crossways is a Spotify podcast from The Ringer. The first episode, released today, Friday 20 September, is available to watch and listen to on Spotify and YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
