VICKY JEPSON says Bethany England deserves a spot in the Lionesses’ World Cup after Spurs win their WSL survival battle.
The Tottenham striker’s double helped her have 12 goals all season and put the bottom team in Reading in danger of relegation.
It was also her fifth goal in three games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against the Premier League side and WSL’s first double header at the venue.
Interim boss Jepson, whose team played West Ham in their last game of this term, said: “Personally I am delighted (with the result).
“The mission is to keep us in WSL and that mission is done and we can enjoy that status in WSL.
“We still have a game to play and we certainly don’t want to be complacent going into that game.”
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England’s good record for Tottenham has made her the third-highest scorer in the top flight this season.
Her total of 12 goals includes 10 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 unexpectedly scored thanks to personal excellence.
“I think she should be in 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 England’s top scorer in the WSL.”
The deadlock was broken in yesterday’s match when England took the lead in the 29th minute after a Molly Bartrip pass.
Celin Bizet doubled the home side’s lead four minutes before half-time as she overtook the keeper
Grace Moloney after Eveliina Summanen’s pass.
Royals boss Kelly Chambers shuffled her deck in the second half with Emma Harries replacing Sanne Troelsgaard and Deanne Rose replacing Tia Primmmer.
But Spurs increased their advantage when England picked up an Easther Mayi Kith cross in the 62nd minute.
Kit Graham made it 4-0 after getting on the wrong foot of Moloney with 15 minutes left
And Reading pulled back a goal when Justine Vanhaevermaet headed home in the 79th minute.
If Leicester beat West Ham today, the Royal team will be relegated.
Chambers said: “We can’t be under the illusion of our position and it’s Chelsea on the last day.
“It’s been a tough day and a tough season. The leagues don’t lie, you’ll end up where you are.”
