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

Episoder

• Alexia's emotional farewell + Team of the Season 27.05.2026 39min

  Ian Wright and Steph Houghton are back together for the final Crossways of the season. Our hosts speak about their time in Oslo, Charlton's monumental penalty shootout victory over Leicester and Alexia Putellas's emotional farewell after spending 14 years at Barcelona. Could she be on her way to the WSL? Steph and Wrighty both pick their team of the season, who has stood out, and will they agree on every position? Finally, the predictions league has been won in a tightly run contest, and Ian and Steph thank all the people who help make Crossways happen. (00:00) Welcome + Oslo (04:05) Alexia Putellas (08:11) Charlton v Leicester (11:00) Team of the Season (11:25) Goalkeeper (13:03) Right Back (13:44) Centre Backs (17:55) Left Back (19:20) Midfield (21:18) Attacking Midfield (22:45) Right Wing (22:50) Left Wing (28:18) Striker (32:10) Manager (35:06) Crossways Predictions League Results (35:48) THANK YOU! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Barcelona are UWCL champions again! + Charlton clinch promotion 26.05.2026 9min

  Crossways hits the road for another UEFA Women’s Champions League final as Barcelona took on OL Lyonnes in Oslo. Our host Ian Wright takes us through his time in Norway, from lunch with Steph Houghton to Charlton’s penalty shootout success and meeting some familiar faces at the Ullevaal Stadium. Ian was full of love for Ewa Pajor as Barcelona ran away 4-0 victors to reclaim the UWCL title. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Annabel Blanchard on final day drama, biggest inspirations, Crystal Palace's ambitions 15.05.2026 39min

  Ian Wright and Steph Houghton welcome Crystal Palace's Annabel Blanchard into the studio to chat all things relegation, promotion, and ambition. Annabel talks our hosts through her career, playing against her brothers from a young age, to playing against the best in the world in the WSL. She relives Crystal Palace's dramatic season as they clinched promotion on the final day, and discusses the club's ambitions to become a main stay in the top flight. Annabel speaks about her own evolution as a player, and biggest dream to one day play for the Lionesses. Finally some quickfire questions - which teammate should we keep our eye on next season, and who is the toughest opponent Annabel has faced? 00:00 Welcome 00:44 Promotion 03:10 Growing up 09:55 Relegation & Pressure 17:20 Culture and change at Crystal Palace 19:30 Playing against the best 21:15 Ambitions and reaching 100 27:05 Difference between WSL and WSL2 29:55 Outside of football 33:30 Quick fire questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• City go for the double, Brighton's bright future, and Beth Mead departs Arsenal 12.05.2026 32min

  Steph Houghton and Ian Wright react to the Women's FA Cup semi finals which showcased two incredible comebacks from 2-0 down. First, they look at how Chelsea let go of a 2-0 lead over Manchester City, discussing Bompastor's use of her squad, and Bunny Shaw's performance against her potential new employers. Then, our hosts believe there are positives for Liverpool to take into the new season despite not making it to the FA Cup final in the last moments of the game, and give credit to a Brighton side who look energised and are being rewarded for their investment. Ian and Steph give departing club legends Beth Mead and Laura Coombs their love before making predictions for the final full week of WSL fixtures. 00:00 Welcome01:22 Chelsea v Manchester City14:15 Liverpool v Brighton17:10 FA Cup Final18:10 Should semi finals be at a neutral venue?20:21 Brighton’s bright future22:08 Arsenal departures25:22 Laura Coombs23:00 Lauren Hemp27:13 Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Arsenal's domestic disappointment, Beth England's shock departure, and promotion joy 07.05.2026 30min

  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Arsenal one step closer, Bunny Shaw's contract, and Manchester United fall away 27.04.2026 33min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Q&A: Best striker in the world, United lacking leaders, and changes to WSL 23.04.2026 32min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• What Georgia Stanway’s performance could mean for her future 16.04.2026 30min

  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Steph McCaffrey: from NWSL to England's seventh tier 09.04.2026 40min

  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” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Arsenal through to UWCL semi final! + Manchester United's problems 02.04.2026 34min

  Steph Houghton and Ian Wright take us through all the key talking points of two action packed UEFA Women's Champions League quarter finals. There were huge questions asked of referees and VAR again following a hair pull on Alyssa Thompson. Daphne van Domselaar pulled off some world class saves and Chelsea left it too late as Arsenal progressed to the semi finals. In Munich, Manchester United couldn't hold on to their 1-0 lead on the night and our hosts look at the deeper problems in the culture and hierarchy of Manchester United. (00:00) Welcome (01:28) Chelsea v Arsenal (05:48) Refereeing and VAR (09:40) Chelsea chances (13:24) Chelsea’s future (14:40) Will Arsenal win UWCL again? (15:30) Daphne van Domselaar & Arsenal’s performance (18:35) Bayern Munich v Manchester United (19:10) The problem with Manchester United Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Arsenal’s Advantage, Chelsea’s Frustration, and United’s Fight 26.03.2026 40min

  Ian Wright and Steph Houghton reflect on the massive UEFA Women's Champions League first legs from earlier this week. Chelsea were left frustrated by a controversial refereeing decision, as Arsenal's Alessia Russo stole the show for the Gunners in a 3-1 victory. Manchester United fought hard against an impressive Bayern Munich side at Old Trafford. Our hosts question whether Chelsea and Manchester United can make comebacks in their ties, or if the opposition are too strong. Wrighty and Steph also discuss Real Madrid, who were humiliated by their rivals Barcelona. When will their fortunes change? Is the club doing enough for the women's team? Finally, predictions are made for this weekend's WSL fixtures, including three huge derbies. Play along in the Crossways league at full-time-forecast.com. (00:00) Welcome (02:45) Arsenal v Chelsea (03:23) Referee decisions (11:17) Katie McCabe performance (12:16) Alessia Russo goal (14:38) Lauren James goal (16:40) AWFC v Chelsea second leg (18:58) Manchester United v Bayern Munich (20:27) Pernille Harder (21:43) Attendance at Old Trafford (23:38) Tanikawa and Stanway (25:23) United in attack (27:10) Real Madrid v Barcelona (31:23) Wolfsburg v OL Lyonnes (32:25) WSL Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• What’s Next for Sam Kerr? + Arsenal vs. Chelsea Preview 18.03.2026 37min

  Steph Houghton and Ian Wright reflect on Chelsea's domestic dominance after they beat Manchester United on Sunday to win the League Cup. Steph and Ian question United's approach to the match, but praise a top performance from Lauren James. Our hosts then look at the reported move for Catarina Macario and what that means for the NWSL and the WSL as they both look to attract top talent. Wrighty asks what is next for Sam Kerr at Chelsea as she is getting back to top form—will she be there beyond the summer? Then we look ahead to next week's huge UEFA Women's Champions League fixtures as Arsenal host Chelsea, and Manchester United host Bayern Munich. Finally, predictions ... Wrighty is slowly climbing the league table, but is it too little too late?(00:00) Welcome(03:52) League Cup Final Review(15:22) Sam Kerr’s Future?(17:06) Catarina Macario Megadeal(21:17) Champions League(21:25) Chelsea vs. Arsenal(25:30 ) Man United vs. Bayern Munich(29:16) PredictionsHosts: Steph Houghton and Ian WrightExecutive Producer: Roscoe Bowman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• What Sets Lucy Bronze Apart? + Chelsea V Manchester United Preview 12.03.2026 29min

  Ian Wright and Steph Houghton come together to discuss last week's Lionesses performances, in particular what makes Lucy Bronze such a special footballer, whether she can set the all-time caps record for England, and how she could achieve that. They then look forward to the weekend with some huge fixtures looming in the WSL and Subway League Cup. First, Liverpool hosts Leicester in what looks like the make or break match of Leicester's season—are they doomed if they fail to win? What are the wider worries for Leicester City Football Club? Then our hosts preview the League Cup Final, as Chelsea faces Manchester United for the first chance at silverware this season. Who needs this win more, and who are our hosts backing to lift the trophy on Sunday? Finally, some score predictions for this weekend's WSL matches—can Ian catch up to Steph? Play along at full-time-forecast.com in the Crossways league. (00:00) Welcome (02:12) England World Cup Qualifiers (02:55) Lucy Bronze Caps (08:08) League Cup Final: Chelsea v Man United (15:40) Relegation Playoff: Liverpool v Leicester (21:40) Predictions Hosts: Steph Houghton and Ian Wright Executive Producer: Roscoe Bowman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Jess Park Continues Top Form + Change Coming to the WSL 04.03.2026 30min

  Steph Houghton and Ian Wright are back together to unpack the Lionesses' first match of 2026. After a convincing victory over Ukraine, our hosts praise the form of Jess Park, ruthlessness of Alessia Russo and the inevitability of Georgia Stanway. Ian and Steph then look at the proposed new rule for the WSL involving clamping down on goalkeeper timeouts - leaving Steph unimpressed. (00:00) Welcome(01:26) Ukraine v England – Analysis(17:53) England v Iceland – Preview(22:35) New Goalkeeper RuleHosts: Steph Houghton and Ian WrightExecutive Producer: Roscoe Bowman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Kelly Smith on Arsenal, Injuries, and Moving to the USA 17.02.2026 1t

  Ian Wright and Steph Houghton welcome Arsenal and England legend Kelly Smith into the studio to tell her story! She talks us through everything from the Lionesses to the USA and three stints at Arsenal and shows never-before-seen footage of her career. Kelly answers questions on key moments in her career, including THAT celebration, injuries, and retirement, before sharing her thoughts on working with the current Arsenal women's team. (00:00) Welcome (01:50) Kelly Smith joins us (02:20) England dreams (04:15) Letter from the England manager (04:37) Getting scouted by Arsenal (05:22) Her first England training camp (08:30) Wembley Ladies to Arsenal (10:13) Moving to America  (15:42) Playing for the Philadelphia Charge (17:24) Back to Arsenal and winning (21:15) Injuries (25:37) The World Cup “boot” celebration (27:47) Favourite tournaments (31:29) Favourite position (33:36) Being a leader (36:25) Retirement  (38:57) Punditry and harassment  (40:50) Coaching at Arsenal (50:09) Advice for future Kelly Smiths (52:23) Quickfire questions (56:58)) Kelly’s dream five-a-side team Hosts: Steph Houghton and Ian WrightExecutive Producer: Roscoe Bowman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Changes at Chelsea, City Slip, and Relegation Worries 12.02.2026 37min

  Steph Houghton and Ian Wright coming to you from the Manchester studio off the back of a big win for Arsenal over Man City, Chelsea in a transitional phase behind the scenes with the departure of Paul Green and a new contract for Sonia Bompastor, and lots to talk about with the bottom 4. Wrighty is worried about Leicester with 3 losses from 3 and only 8 goals in their last 14 games. But it’s brighter days for Everton and West Ham, with the hosts giving Ruby Mace love and Martinez on a run, scoring 3 goals in the last 3 games. (00:00) Welcome (01:23) Steph misses dinner (02:14) Arsenal v Manchester CIty (09:02) Chelsea, Paul Green, and Bompastor’s new contract (16:27) WSL Bottom four (16:57) Everton  (17:48) Ruby Mace (20:00) Liverpool (21:50) Gareth Taylor (23:44) West Ham (26:36) Leicester (29:13) Predictions Hosts: Steph Houghton and Ian Wright Executive Producer: Roscoe Bowman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• What Is Going On at Chelsea, and What’s Next for Katie McCabe? 05.02.2026 30min

  Crossways is back in the London studio with legendary hosts Steph Houghton and Ian Wright. Big talking points include Man City’s thrashing of Chelsea to storm toward the WSL trophy, Chelsea’s fall from grace and what is going on with the West London club, Katie McCabe’s future, and of course, rumours about the proposed changes to the FA Cup format. Spoiler alert: They have not been warmly received in the Crossways camp. And thanks for all the questions for Steph and Wrighty—tune in to hear what they’ve got to say this week!(00:00) Welcome(01:16) Arsenal are world champions!(02:30) Brian Sørensen sacked(05:30) Manchester City vs. Chelsea(15:40) Proposed FA Cup changes(18:50) Player you’re watching for the future?(18:57) Lexi Potter(19:40) Jane Oboavwoduo(20:40) Will Katie McCabe be at Arsenal next season?(23:45) PredictionsHosts: Steph Houghton and Ian WrightExecutive Producer: Roscoe Bowman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Q&A: Dream Arsenal Signings, Bompastor's Struggles, and Everton's Decision 29.01.2026 39min

  Hosts Ian Wright and Steph Houghton answer your questions on this week's Crossways! What is going wrong for Sonia Bompastor? How long will Brian Sørensen remain in his post at Everton? And could Arsenal tempt Claudia Pina from Barcelona? Wrighty and Steph answer all these and more, as well as providing their predictions for this weekend's WSL fixtures. Play along at full-time-forecast.com.(00:00) Welcome(01:10) Dennis Bergkamp and launching WCC(02:13) Steph’s weekend and wearing no. 6(03:26) Answering your questions!(04:00) How long does Brian Sørensen get at Everton?(10:40) When can City fans get excited about winning the league?(13:34) Izzy Goodwin and London City Lionesses(16:48) Thoughts on Women’s Champions Cup?(19:58) Has success in her first season been Bompastor’s downfall this season?(24:26) Do you see Alessia Russo as a 9 or 10?(25:32) Mariona Caldentey and Chelsea vs. Arsenal(27:30) Who is your dream signing?(28:00) Claudia Pina(28:33) Aitana Bonmati(30:55) Trinity Rodman(32:00) Prediction scores(32:57) Brighton vs. London City Lionesses(33:37) Everton vs. Aston Villa(34:10) Manchester United vs. Liverpool(34:43) West Ham vs. Tottenham(35:10) Manchester City vs. Chelsea Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• An Unconvincing Arsenal and a Frustrating Manchester City 23.01.2026 40min

  Hosts Steph Houghton and Ian Wright unpack the Subway League Cup semifinals, where Manchester United and Chelsea got the better of Arsenal and Manchester City, respectively. Wrighty believes that Arsenal lacked conviction and that the standards aren't being held high enough on the pitch, while Steph doesn't think that City will be knocked by their first loss since opening day. Our hosts evaluate Olivia Smith's performance in the context of her season so far, give credit to Manchester United for reaching their first League Cup final, and praise Chelsea's consistency in the competition. Ian and Steph then look ahead to this weekend's big match at Stamford Bridge before giving us their predictions for the full set of fixtures. Play along at full-time-forecast.com. Hosts: Steph Houghton and Ian Wright Executive Producer: Roscoe Bowman (00:00) Welcome (03:20) Arsenal vs. Manchester United (09:35) Olivia Smith(14:00) Manchester United’s goal(17:17) Manchester City vs. Chelsea(23:55) League Cup reformatting(28:12) Chelsea vs. Arsenal(32:36) Predictions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
• Busy January Transfer Window, Slegers Renewal, and the Magic of the FA Cup 15.01.2026 38min

  They’re back! Hosts Ian Wright and Steph Houghton catch up after the Christmas break, launching headfirst into an in-depth discussion on a very busy WSL transfer window. Hamano and Blakstad to Tottenham, Coffey to Man City, Neville to Leicester, Nighswonger to Villa, and can Falk be the difference for Liverpool in the second half of the season? And will any of the other crazy transfer rumours come true? Wrighty questions Arsenal’s ruthlessness and calls for big changes come summer. Finally, will any WSL teams get shown up in the FA Cup? Hosts: Steph Houghton and Ian Wright Executive Producer: Roscoe Bowman (00:00) Welcome (02:17) Baller League Winner (04:29) Robson Green’s Great Escape (05:11) Winter transfer window (05:22) Julie Blakstad (06:17) Maika Hamano (08:18) Jenna Nighswonger  (10:20) Sam Coffey  (12:18) Lea Schüller (13:44) Ashleigh Neville  (14:59) Jennifer Falk (17:10) West Ham Earring Controversy (18:03) Managerial Changes (21:22) London City Lionesses New Manager (23:38) Renee Slegers Signs New Arsenal Contract (27: 48) Women’s FA Cup (30:58) Steph and Ian Reminisce on the FA Cup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices