Tottenham ace Jessica Naz enjoying learning from ‘born winner’ Spurs captain Bethany England as team targets silverware
JESSICA NAZ is eager to keep learning from “born winner” club skipper Bethany England as Tottenham eye a trophy-lifting end to their season.
The Spurs ace could be back in WSL action when her side take on Manchester United, the team they face in next month’s FA Cup final.
Rising star Naz is among the players who have impressed for Tottenham this term, with the team sitting sixth and six points off the Red Devils.
Aside from bagging a vital equaliser in Spurs FA Cup semis win last Sunday, the forward has notched up three assists and one goal in 17 top tier appearances.
And she enjoys picking the brains of England, 29, who won four league titles with Chelsea before her domestic transfer record-breaking Tottenham switch last January.
Naz, 23, said: “I speak to Bethany a lot. I’ve been playing as a nine and out wide and learning from her.
“She’s a born winner from (her experience at) Chelsea as well, winning trophies and just her mentality, the way she works.
“I’ve been learning from her, asking questions and she’s been a great role model to look up to and someone to work with.”
Against Leicester last weekend, Naz scored a late leveller that paved the way for her team to seal an extra-time victory in the FA Cup semis for the first time ever.
And gaffer Vilahamn hopes they can maintain their winning form when they face a Man United side who have never lost to Spurs in the WSL.
He said: “When they have a good day, they are one of the best teams in this league.
“They have quality players and a strong bench. If they have a good day, we’re going to struggle and need to work really hard in the defence.
“But then on the other hand, they have not been that consistent in their performances. So, I think we have a good chance to complete this game and make sure we can play our style.”
The 12midday clash at Leigh Sports Village will see Grace Clinton absent from the visitors’ line-up with the Red Devils midfielder currently on a season-loan to Spurs.
And Marc Skinner admits he is eager to welcome the England starlet, 21, back to United this summer despite Vilahamn hoping to make her temporary move permanent.
The United chief said: “We couldn’t give her the minutes.
“But she’s now proven she’s in that space where she’s had that exposure and I look forward to welcoming her back to do that for Manchester United.
“There’s still loads more we can give to her.”