Tottenham boss Jepson believes Bethany England is worthy of a World Cup squad chance with Lionesses
VICKY JEPSON says Bethany England is worth a Lionesses World Cup spot after Spurs won their WSL survival fight.
The Tottenham striker’s double took her to 12 goals for the season and left bottom-club Reading on the brink of relegation.
It was also her fifth goal in three matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the team playing in the first ever Premier League and WSL double-header at the venue.
Interim boss Jepson, whose team play West Ham in their last game this term, said: “I’m over the moon personally (with the result).
“The task was to keep us in the WSL and that task is complete and we can enjoy that status in the WSL.
“We still have one game left to play and we certainly don’t want to be complacent going into that.”
England’s clinical finishing for Tottenham has seen her become the third highest scorer in the top-flight this season.
Her tally of 12 goals includes 10 notched in 11 WSL games for Jepson’s side who beat Reading 4-1.
The Tottenham chief added: “There have been opportunities in games where Beth has pulled goals from out of nowhere due to individual brilliance.
“I think she should be going to the World Cup but I’m not going to tell Sarina Wiegman how to do her job.
“It’s up to her but I think she’s a top English scorer in the WSL.”
The deadlock was broken in yesterday’s game when England headed home in the 29th minute when she pounced on a cross from Molly Bartrip.
Celin Bizet doubled the hosts’ lead four minutes before half-time when she fired beyond keeper
Grace Moloney following Eveliina Summanen’s through ball.
Royals boss Kelly Chambers shuffled her deck in the second half with Emma Harries replacing Sanne Troelsgaard and Deanne Rose on for Tia Primmer.
But Spurs increased their advantage when England pounced on a back-pass from Easther Mayi Kith on 62 minutes.
Kit Graham made it 4-0 after wrong footing Moloney with 15 minutes to go
And Reading pulled one back when Justine Vanhaevermaet headed home in the 79th minute.
If Leicester beat visiting West Ham today, the Royals will be relegated.
Chambers said: “We can’t be deluded about where we are and it is Chelsea on the final day.
“It was a tough day and a tough season. Leagues don’t lie, you end up where you should be.”