#Emma Hayes

#Emma Hayes

"I said it to her this week, I said we've missed you in many ways, most of all because she just brings a little bit of color, she's got a great personality and she injects that into the environment," Hayes told ESPN's "Futbol W." "I've given her some responsibility this week and I think it's good for her. And she wants that, she's ready to take the next steps in her career. I think having her back is I hope the start of a really strong year for her."

The former Chelsea manager, who is being honoured by the National Football Museum for her coaching achievements so far, not least her seven Women's Super Leagues titles and Olympic gold medal, is quick to point to how glad she is that the women's game is in a better place in this country compared to when she took on the Chelsea job in 2012.

Hayes has left out most Europe-based players to prioritize their rest, enabling the team to focus on domestic players ahead of the 2027 World Cup.