‘It’s for the best’ – Isobel Goodwin reflects on growth of London City Lionesses and reveals Champions League ambition

ISOBEL GOODWIN is one of the few players to have experienced the London City Lionesses revolution first hand. And she believes it’s only a matter of time before they achieve great things. Isobel Goodwin is entering her third season with London City Lionesses Credit: Getty The 23-year-old has her sights set on Champions League football Credit: Getty Goodwin joined London City from Sheffield United in 2024 – when the Bromley-based side were still in the second division. The 23-year-old made a huge mark in her debut season, becoming the Championship’s top scorer with 16 goals and helping the club win the league title and promotion. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Since then, she has seen the likes of Jana Fernandez, Grace Geyoro, Mary Earps, Nicole Anyomi, Mapi Leon and Kadidiatou Diani walk through the door. And last month, London City pulled off arguably the biggest transfer in WSL history by signing two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. Goodwin told SunSport: “She’s great. I mean everyone knows how much of a great player she is. And obviously she brings that leadership as well. “So yeah, I’m looking forward to playing with her this season. She’s also just a really nice girl. She’s really down to earth. So yeah, all the girls that have come in are just so lovely. “We’re really getting on as a team. I think there’s such a togetherness between us. And obviously it’s only been three weeks (since pre-season started) so hopefully it will prove in the league.” The striker also believes the introduction of so many top-class players will only make her a better player. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK WSL opening weekend fixtures 4th September – London City Lionesses vs Manchester United 5th September – Chelsea vs Aston Villa 6th September – Brighton vs Arsenal 6th September – Tottenham vs West Ham 6th September – Charlton vs Liverpool 6th September – Crystal Palace vs Everton 6th September – Manchester City vs Birmingham City She continued: “Obviously you want to become the best player, so improving with world-class players next to you is only going to make you better. “I want to be the best player that I can become. So obviously, with the help of those players, hopefully I can.” Reflecting on how the club has grown over the last two years, Goodwin said: “There’s been so much change, but it’s for the best. Just bringing in all these players is going to prove that hopefully we can push on and achieve what we want to achieve. “But yeah, it’s been a journey and I love being a part of it and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it. To play, compete in the WSL at the highest level I can reach and with the best players around me, hopefully we can achieve some great things.” Goodwin, a hugely popular member of the squad, has her sights set on Champions League football – something that will be achieved if London City Lionesses finish in the top three at the end of the campaign. In order to do so, they will have to knock either Manchester City, Arsenal or Chelsea out of the European spots and better the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham. “I definitely think that obviously would be everyone’s goal, to achieve Champions League football and then go on to win the WSL,” she said. “You also want to win the Champions League. So yeah, we have a lot of targets and hopefully we can achieve them. “For me personally, it’s somewhere that obviously I want to be. And then the team, if I’ve got a good team around me, we can hopefully achieve good things.” London City Lionesses kick off their WSL campaign at home against Man Utd on September 4. Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas joined London City this summer Credit: Getty Comment now