Everton Women’s Senior Team coach and lifelong Toffee Jen Foster’s has spoken of her belief in strong relationships with the squad, but has called for the playing staff to showcase their talent from now until the end of the season, starting with this weekend’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues have six fixtures remaining and interim coach Scott Phelan will not allow his team to take their feet off the pedals, as he knows that results in the remaining half dozen games will go a long way to determining his long-term future, as well as that of his staff, including Foster.
But the former Leicester City interim manager is well aware of the talent within the group, and feels the side identifies with what makes a true Everton team.
> “I’m an Everton fan so I know a lot about this club and its history, coming to this club meant a lot to me,” said Foster.
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> “When Brian (Sorensen) brought me in, it was an important role for me as first-team coach. One thing I’m a big believer in, is relationships with the players and making sure we get the most out of them. That is a big part of my role.
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> “We have an abundance of talent here in this group. That is clear to see, and it is so important that we show that between now and the end of the season. That is the role that me and the rest of the staff have.
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> “In the last few games, we have definitely seen that. The players have been playing with more freedom and have shown what they can do.
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> “There are certain qualities that define an Everton team: hard work, commitment, the don’t-stop-until-the-end mentality. We have shown that this season with the win against Chelsea and our recent form on home soil.”
On the injury front, Rion Ishikawa ankle problem and is touch and go for Sunday, while club captain Megan Finnigan is back on the grass but some way off the matchday squad.
Karen Holmgaard’s surgery on the ACL injury she sustained against West Bromwich Albion was successful, but the Dane will be out for some months.
Those who do take to the field at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will hopefully be benefiting from all the behind-the-scenes work on set pieces, something Foster has been proud to see come to fruition in certain weeks.
> “Working on set-pieces, there is nothing better than when they come off on the pitch. I was super proud of Martina and the rest of the team for executing them.
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> “For Martina, to score two goals at Goodison Park is a dream.
> “We are here for the players and the team – we do everything we can so that when they step out on that pitch, they are in the best position to go and perform.
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> “I am their biggest supporter!”
Arguably the WSL’s surprise package this season, Martin Ho’s team find themselves currently fifth and level on points with North London rivals Arsenal, although at the time of writing have played two games more than the Gunners.
Currently on a run of just one defeat in six in all competitions, Spurs will sees themselves as favourites for the weekend’s game, but will be aware of the Toffees’ recent league form under Phelan.
Having scored for Denmark on international duty, winger Olivia Holdt will be looking to continue her excellent run of form which has seen her rack up six goal involvements in her last seven WSL appearances.
Her threat, coupled with that of experienced England international Beth England will give the Blues’ rearguard lots to ponder.
A team that focuses on attack, only the league’s top three have scored more in the division that Tottenham, although Ho will be cautiously looking at his own defence, who have shipped 24 goals in 16 WSL games so far.
Unbeaten in their last five WSL games against Everton, Spurs could complete a double over the Toffees for the first time in the competition, having claimed a 2-0 win at Goodison in September.
The Blues did dump their North London rivals out of the FA Cup in January 2025, thanks to goals from Kelly Gago and Heather Payne, but you need to go back to April 2023 for an Everton victory in this fixture, when Aggie Beever-Jones’ injury time winner settled a pulsating encounter at Walton Hall Park.
Tottenham chasing a record WSL points total while harbouring dreams of finishing above Arsenal, while Everton and Phelan will be determined to prove that their recent league form is far more than just a new manager bounce, as the boss and his staff - both playing and backroom - can go a long way to proving this set-up is worthy of a long-term arrangement.
Everton Women take on Tottenham Hotspur at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, 15 March at 11.55am GMT (5.55am ET, 2.55am PT).