Lexi Potter pushes for England debut after eye-catching Chelsea displays
September 28, 2026 16:11
WHAT HAPPENED
Potter, 20, has started three of Chelsea's four WSL matches this season and played a prominent role in the club's recent results, including helping Chelsea to a third successive league clean sheet in the win over Arsenal. She scored in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Birmingham and previously broke through last season, scoring the winner on her first WSL start against Brighton in March.
The midfielder is an academy graduate who spent two years on loan at Crystal Palace, where she gained regular first-team football, and "has already notched up 20 appearances," according to reports in the profile.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has praised Potter's consistency and impact: "I was really happy with Lexi last season, though she probably didn't get as many opportunities as this season. For her age, being able to be consistent and in the way that she has been performing, I think it's great. People were probably looking at [the Arsenal game] to see her in a big occasion and whether she was able to repeat and sustain the performance. I think she proved that she can. Keira [Walsh] is playing at that level because she has more freedom to go forward by having Lexi next to her." Chelsea team-mate Lucy Bronze has suggested Potter could be the next Keira Walsh, and former England striker Ellen White described her as "a special player."
STATISTICS AND STYLE
Potter has shown strong composure on the ball this season, registering a 93% passing accuracy in the WSL so far. She ranks fourth among her team-mates in tackles and interceptions, has the third-best passing success rate at Chelsea, and has played 207 minutes with 21 recoveries. She has not been on the pitch while Chelsea have conceded this term.
WHY IT MATTERS
With Wiegman due to name the squad on Tuesday, Potter's recent displays have given her an opportunity to stake a claim for a first senior call-up. Bompastor highlighted how Potter's presence at number six is allowing Keira Walsh more freedom to push forward, underlining the tactical fit Chelsea see in her development.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Sarina Wiegman's next England squad will be announced on Tuesday.