By OkayGoal 
Naomi Girma and Crystal Dunn are prominent players who the NWSL lost to the WSL this past offseason. Although we have seen a growing number of players travel overseas to play for English clubs, there remain a handful of English talent in the NWSL. Let’s take a look at some of the English players in the league.
Anna Moorhouse – Orlando Pride
Throughout her three years with the Pride, Moorhouse has established herself as a force of stability and strength. Her consistency and elite goalkeeping performance in 2024 helped Pride secure the NWSL Shield and championship. That same year, she added to her collection by winning Ironwoman status. Deservingly, she ended up as a finalist for the 2024 Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Not only has she made a major impact in the NWSL, but Moorhouse has played several matches for English clubs such as Arsenal and West Ham United. As a member of the Arsenal squad, Moorhouse won the FA WSL Cup in the 2017-2018 season.
Her representation for the English squad will be on display as she was called up to the senior team for UEFA group stage games.
Jess Carter – NJ/NY Gotham
With the departure of Crystal Dunn, Gotham’s backline lost some explosiveness. However, the young and fearless Jess Carter has shown the NWSL why she’s a stellar defender and champion at heart. In her first year with Gotham she started in all of her appearances. She also won more than half of her challenges that season.
During her WSL days, Carter played a significant role for Chelsea FC. In 2020-2021 she helped the Blue Devils complete a treble, winning the WSL Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup. By the 2023-2024 season, Chelsea secured their fifth consecutive WSL title with Carter’s assistance.
As for her play with the English national team, Carter has recorded 42 appearances with 2 goals. She will continue to represent England as she was called up for matches against Portugal and Spain.
Esme Morgan – Washington Spirit
In her 18 appearances for the Spirit, Morgan has become a dependable asset in the backline. More notably, despite the loss, she recorded her first brace against Angel City earlier this month. Before her time with Spirit, Morgan spent much of her time playing for Manchester City. She’ll continue to showcase for the Lionesses in their UEFA group stage games.
Katie Zelem – Angel City FC
Zelem joined Angel City in mid-2024. Prior to being a part of the NWSL, Zelem had a profound impact for the Manchester United club. In her six seasons with the Red Devils Zelem tallied 46 assists and 32 goals.
She is also familiar with national team play. Her first call up to the senior national team was in 2021 and she had two appearances for the Lionesses in the 2023 World Cup.
Besides her on-field impact, Zelem was recently nominated for the 2025 Lauren Holiday Impact Award. This award shines light to the support NWSL players are giving to surrounding communities. Her character off the field definitely matches her elite playstyle she has demonstrated throughout her years.
Image via @katiezelem
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