Jessie Fleming will be banging on manager Emma Hayes’ door, demanding first-team selection, when she returns from Tokyo after her penalty at the Olympics gave Team Canada their first victory over the USA in two decades.
The Blues’ No17 will never have to buy a drink again in Canada after burying her spot kick in the corner of the net for the 1-0 win against the favourites in the women’s football.
Though only really used as a second-half sub by Hayes in her star-studded Chelsea Women team, Fleming has grown in confidence during the Tokyo games, and hopes to stake a claim to a starting place.
“I just believed in myself and had confidence in myself,” said the (usually shy) 23-year-old after her penalty. Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner... that’s London, Ontario.
The Blues embark on their attempt to retain the Women’s Super League title for a third year on the trot in a month’s time, with tough Covid rules in force at Kingsmeadow to allow spectators back in.
Masks must be worn when moving about inside the stadium, large bags are banned, and stewards will check that only double-jabbed or negative-tested supporters are admitted.
Chelsea Women have arranged another friendly, on Thursday August 12 at Glasgow Rangers’ training centre in Scotland.
Why there? Erin Cuthbert is a product of the Rangers Girls’ Academy, and still speaks warmly of her time at the club.
“It will be a superb match for our team, and a fantastic challenge,” said Rangers women’s manager Amy McDonald.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
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