Esme Morgan

Esme Beth Morgan (born 18 October 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for National Women's Soccer League club Washington Spirit and the England national team.

Early life
Morgan began playing football aged 4 with Ecclesall Rangers boys team, remaining with the side until age 16. She also played for Worsbrough Bridge girls’ team.

Manchester City
A product of Manchester City's youth team, Morgan signed her first professional contract with the club in June 2019,. She had previously made her debut for the senior side in a league win against Yeovil Town on 24 September 2017. She spent the 2019–20 season on loan at Everton.

On 2 May 2021, in the 2020–21 season, Morgan scored her debut goal for City against Birmingham City in a 4–0 victory, assisted by Lauren Hemp in the 85th-minute.

In September 2021, Morgan suffered a lower leg fracture against Tottenham at Manchester City's Academy Stadium. She has since returned to the starting line-up for City.

On 18 January 2022, Morgan signed a three-year contract extension with City. On 6 November 2022, she captained her club for the first time in a 3–0 win over Reading.

On 27 May 2024, it was announced that Morgan would leave the club.

Washington Spirit
On 13 June 2024, it was announced that Morgan had signed for NWSL club Washington Spirit on a four-year deal, becoming eligible to play from 15 July.

International career
Morgan has been featured throughout all youth levels of the England national team set-up, since she was first called up to the under-17 team in 2017.

Morgan was called up to the senior England squad for a training camp in September 2020, before being out on injury from September 2021 to late 2022.

On 12 October 2022, Morgan won her first senior cap for the England national team when she made her debut as a half-time substitute in an international friendly against Czech Republic.

On 18 November 2022, her England legacy number was announced as number 224.

On 31 May 2023, Morgan was named to the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in July 2023, where she was an unused substitute in the tournament.

Style of play
Morgan began her senior career as a forward, before becoming a defender. She mainly plays a centre-back, but can also play as a defensive midfielder, and has played at right-back and left-back. A progressive passer of the ball, her successful pass rate has reached as high as 92 per cent. She has been described as an intuitive and versatile defender who knows when to take initiative.

Personal life
Although she grew up in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Morgan had been a lifelong supporter of Manchester City F.C. before signing for The Blues in 2017. She says that she had a season ticket at the Blues since the age of three and "dreamed of playing for Manchester City" her whole life.

Honours
Manchester City
 * FA Women's Cup: 2019–20
 * Women's League Cup: 2021–22

England
 * FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up: 2023
 * Women's Finalissima: 2023