Ellen White, the Lionesses' all-time leading scorer with 52 goals in 113 caps, has seamlessly transitioned from player to pundit. Now 37, she admits to being a nervous viewer, saying: 'I'm a nail-biter, I'm horrible [to watch a match with], I'm grabbing people, shoving people.' White brings her on-field experience to her analysis, striving for fairness: 'Would you feel comfortable saying it to someone's face? If you would, then you feel maybe OK in saying that out loud on live TV.'
Hall of Fame Induction
White was inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in Manchester, a moment she described as a 'real honour and privilege.' Museum chief executive Tim Desmond praised her for 'representing football with warmth, intelligence and integrity,' calling her 'one of the defining figures in the modern era of English football.' The Hall of Fame, relaunched in 2019, aims for 50% women's representation.
Career Highlights
White's career spanned the professionalisation of women's football, from Arsenal's academy to clubs including Chelsea, Leeds Carnegie, Notts County, Birmingham City, and Manchester City. She won the WSL Golden Boot in 2017-18 with Birmingham and helped the club reach the FA Cup final. Reflecting on the 2019 World Cup, where she was joint top scorer with six goals, she said: 'That was where I felt probably at the peak of my powers.' Under Phil Neville, she felt trusted as the No. 9, a belief echoed by Sarina Wiegman.
Success Under Wiegman
White started all six matches as England won Euro 2022 on home soil, her last tournament before retirement. She now hopes to see Harry Kane lift a trophy, calling him 'one of the best finishers in the game.' She admires his leadership and ability to perform under pressure. Looking ahead to the Women's World Cup in Brazil next summer, White is confident England can succeed, noting: 'Sarina knows the right recipe.'
