(Credit: Tottenham Hotspur Youtube)

Richie Mills

Tue 7 April 2026 13:10, UK

Ella Morris returned to the Tottenham team after nearly a year out with injury as Martin Ho’s side lost to Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Tottenham exited the competition at the quarter-final stage on Monday but put in a brave display in a 2-1 loss at Kingsmeadow.

Sam Kerr opened the scoring in the 40th minute as Tottenham went into the interval comfortably second best.

But a much improved second half, which was bolstered by a 52nd minute goal from Eveliina Summanen, set up a frantic finish.

As extra time beckoned, Veerle Buurman unleashed a fierce strike from the edge of the box to settle the contest four minutes from time. Tottenham can take positives from this game, including Morris’ return from a long-term injury.

Tottenham show belief in Ella Morris

In late May last year, Morris suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in her right knee during a training session while on international duty with England.

The defender joined from Southampton in 2024 on a three-year deal and despite her long-term setback, Tottenham signed a “long-term contract” with Spurs in January.

Morris, who idolises Chelsea right-back Lucy Bronze and former Tottenham defender Kyle Walker, has had a long road to recovery but that journey concluded on Monday with her cameo off the bench.

The 23-year-old, who has now suffered two ACL injuries during her career, replaced Hanna Wijk with 19 minutes of the Chelsea game remaining.

In that time, she completed five passes, with a passing accuracy of 80 per cent, and won both of her tackles.

After the match, she thanked Tottenham fans for their support, saying: “It was really exciting for me. It’s been a long time coming, so I’m just delighted to get back out there with the goals.

“There was a bit of shock at first [when I was asked to come on], I wasn’t necessarily expecting to get any minutes, so to hear my name being called was good.

“I appreciate all their support. Big shout out to the fans, but also thank you for supporting me and the team.”

Martin Ho can’t fault Tottenham’s effort

Tottenham have a wretched record against the Women’s Super League’s top four sides in Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

This season, they have failed to beat any of them in the league, with Spurs currently sitting fifth in the table.

But Ho suggested Tottenham put up a better fight against FA Cup holders Chelsea on their own turf. However, he is still searching for a complete performance.

He told Tottenham’s website, “We went behind and we won’t be happy with that. It comes from us turning the ball over and then we get punished.

“Then we come out in the second half and there was a response. We were more precise and more effective with our play, Eve puts a wonderful ball in from the free-kick and that gets you back on terms. I thought we had momentum then for another 10-15 minutes.

“We really pushed them back and kept them in their half, maybe some learnings of when we go in the box with the ball, that final action as we cross and we try to link and finish. But I couldn’t have asked any more. I’m gutted for the group. They’ve given absolutely everything today.”

After the international break, Tottenham return to WSL action, this time at home to United on 26 April.