Bethany England, the Tottenham captain, is to leave at the end of this season, the striker has confirmed in a tearful video message published by the club.

It is understood it was the club’s decision not to renew the 31-year-old’s contract as they seek to evolve their squad with younger players and multiple sources have emphasised that Tottenham are expected to be aggressive and highly ambitious in the transfer market.

England has respected the decision and the striker and club are understood to be sad to be saying goodbye after what has been described as respectful conversations regarding her future. The England international, who played 26 times for the Lionesses and scored 11 goals between 2019 and her last appearance in 2023, is likely to be highly sought after on a free.

England said in her emotional message to the fans: “From the very beginning you gave me something I didn’t even realise I was searching for: your warmth, your belief, your unwavering support. You even made me feel seen again. In moments where I questioned myself, you never did. I came here hoping to rediscover something I had lost but I am leaving with so much more than I’d ever imagined.”

England went on to describe Spurs as “a place that was helping put me back together”. The former Chelsea striker is the Women’s Super League’s second-highest goalscorer in the division’s 15-year history, with 89 goals, eight behind Vivianne Miedema. In March, England became the seventh player to pass 200 WSL appearances.

During three and a half years at Spurs, England helped them reach 2024’s Women’s FA Cup final and has scored 32 league goals, including 12 during her first six months after arriving from Chelsea which helped to steer the team clear of relegation.

This term she is Spurs’ top scorer in the league, having managed seven goals in 19 WSL games to help Spurs sit fifth with two matches remaining.

Her exit comes at a time of significant squad evolution at Tottenham, who this week announced the summer exits of Amy James-Turner, Luana Bühler, Charlotte Grant and Josefine Rybrink, as well as Kit Graham, who has been at the club since they joined the top tier in 2019. A summer recruitment drive is believed to be well under way.

“Bethany’s leadership has shaped a defining era in the history of Tottenham Hotspur Women,” the women’s team’s managing director, Andy Rogers, told the club’s media channels. “Upon arrival she drove a rise in standards, professionalism and desire, and she has continued to uphold and push these values throughout her time here.

“As well as her incredible contributions on the pitch, Bethany has been instrumental in connecting with our fans to bring them closer to the team, and committing herself to our foundation to ensure we are making a positive impact on the community. Bethany has etched her name in Spurs Women history, and can leave feeling proud of the lasting impact she has made.”