Tottenham Hotspur Women handed Caitlin Dijkstra her competitive debut and named Drew Spence captain for the 2026/27 campaign in their Women's Super League opener against West Ham United. The club's official website confirmed the starting line-ups for the 12 noon kick-off, which featured several new faces and a significant leadership change.
Dijkstra, who joined the club this summer, started in defense, replacing Hanna Wijk in the line-up. She was part of a backline that included Amanda Nilden, Toko Koga, and Julie Blakstad. Kirsty Hanson also made her first competitive appearance for Spurs since her summer move. The team finished fifth in the final 2025 FA WSL table with 36 points from 22 games, a position they will aim to improve upon this season.
Who is the new Tottenham Hotspur Women captain?
Drew Spence was named captain for the new campaign, taking the armband from Olivia Holdt. Holdt dropped to the bench for this match, marking a clear shift in the team's leadership structure. Spence's appointment as skipper is a major vote of confidence from the coaching staff as they look to build on last season's mid-table finish. The team scored 35 goals but conceded 38 last term, leaving them with a negative goal difference of three.
Which new signings featured for Spurs?
Alongside debutant Dijkstra and Hanson, three other summer recruits were named on the substitutes' bench. Shekiera Martinez, Victoria Pelova, and Selma Panengstuen all waited for their chance to make an impact. Youngster Jhanaie Pierre was also among the substitutes after signing her first professional contract earlier in the week. Fans can track the progress of all new signings on the club's official squad page.
What was the Tottenham Hotspur Women starting line-up?
Manager Robert Vilahamn selected a starting eleven that blended experience with new talent. Goalkeeper Rebecca Spencer was protected by the defensive unit of Dijkstra, Nilden, Koga, and Blakstad. The midfield and attack featured Matilda Vinberg, Grace Clinton, Spence as captain, Eveliina Summanen, and Hanson. The full list of substitutes provided attacking options and defensive cover, including the experienced Holdt and the promising Pierre.
The complete Tottenham Hotspur Women line-up was: Spencer, Dijkstra, A. Nilden, Gaupset, Tandberg, Vinberg, Hanson, Spence (c), Summanen, Koga, Blakstad. The substitutes were: Panengstuen, Morris, Holdt, M. Nilden, Martinez, Ahtinen, Wijk, Pelova, Pierre. This squad depth will be tested across a long season, with the full fixtures list available online.
How does last season's form set the context?
Tottenham ended the 2025 Women's Super League season in fifth place, 19 points behind champions Manchester City. Their recent form heading into the summer break was mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their final five games. Improving that consistency and closing the gap to the top four is the clear objective for this campaign. Supporters can follow the team's progress in the live standings throughout the year.
The West Ham starting line-up featured players like captain Katie Zelem and forward Riko Ueki. The match marked the beginning of a new chapter for Tottenham Hotspur Women, with a new captain and fresh faces aiming to drive the team up the table.
