The Women's Super League is fast becoming the destination of choice for the world's elite players, and Lucy Bronze believes the league's relentless upward trajectory is the driving force behind that shift.

Speaking ahead of England's Women's World Cup qualifying match against Spain in Mallorca on Friday evening (kick-off 20:00 BST), the England defender made a compelling case for why the WSL is now capable of luring the very best talent away from historically dominant European leagues.

"The WSL is arguably one of the biggest leagues in the world and it's one of the most commercialised as well," Bronze said. "The English league has that edge now where we're going to another level every single season."

Spanish Exodus Gathering Pace

The comments come at a particularly timely moment. Several high-profile Spanish players have been linked with moves to England this summer. Mapi León, who departed Barcelona last month after nine years at the club, is reported to have a verbal agreement in place to join London City Lionesses. Meanwhile, two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is also leaving Barcelona after 14 years, with London City Lionesses understood to be in pursuit of her signature as well.

This is not an entirely new pattern. Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey made the move from Barcelona to north London in 2024, and in the same window Lucía Corrales and Jana Fernández both joined London City Lionesses. What appears to be changing is the scale and profile of the players now considering England as their next step.

'The Culture Is Amazing'

Caldentey, who faced her former club in the Women's Champions League final during her debut season with Arsenal — and won — offered a vivid account of why Spain's finest are attracted to the English game.

"When England won the first Euros at home in 2022, a lot changed in the country," she said. "We play in the big stadiums with all the fans and everyone is really following women's football. That is special. The culture they have, it's amazing."

For Bronze, the Lionesses' success in that tournament has had a tangible and lasting impact on the WSL's standing. "The Lionesses' success has had a lot to do with that," she added. "It's just a really exciting league to be a part of."

England's World Cup Qualification Run-In

The backdrop to these conversations is a crucial qualifying double-header for Sarina Wiegman's side. England travel to Mallorca for Friday's match against Spain knowing that a win or a draw would be enough to secure their place at the 2027 Women's World Cup. They currently sit three points clear at the top of their qualifying group, having won all four matches so far.

Spain know that only a victory by more than one goal will put them in control heading into the final round of fixtures. Only the group winners qualify automatically — all other teams drop into the play-offs.

England conclude their campaign against Ukraine at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

For Bronze, the England-Spain rivalry has become one of the defining storylines of the women's game. "Spain, for us, is an amazing opponent. They bring out the best in us," she said. "The way Spain have improved over the past four or five years has really pushed this England team on to improve as well."

With elite Spanish players now gravitating towards English clubs, that rivalry looks set to be renewed on domestic pitches as well as international ones. For the WSL, the message is clear: the league is no longer simply keeping pace with Europe — it is setting the standard.

Frequently asked

When do England Women play Spain in World Cup qualifying?
England face Spain on Friday in Mallorca, with kick-off at 20:00 BST. A win or a draw for England would secure their place at the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Is Alexia Putellas joining a WSL club?
Putellas is leaving Barcelona after 14 years and, according to reports, London City Lionesses are among the clubs pursuing her signature, though no deal has been confirmed.
Why are Spanish players moving to the WSL?
Players and pundits point to the league's growing commercialisation, large crowds, strong club brands and the boost in profile that followed England's Euro 2022 victory as key factors drawing Spanish talent to the WSL.