Captain's armband will Spur on Lionesses star Bethany

Bethany England cannot wait to lead Tottenham after being handed the captain's armband. 

The striker, 29, is working her way back to full fitness after undergoing a minor surgical procedure on her hip earlier this month. 

And she is looking forward to returning to action with Spurs after being part of the England squad Sarina Wiegman led to the Women's World Cup final. 

England, who joined the North Londoners from Women's Super League rivals Chelsea in January, said: "It means a great deal — I'm very humbled and thankful that I've been given the opportunity to lead this club. 

"I'm excited to get going with the girls, get out onto that pitch and hopefully give some good moments — and some good winning moments especially. 

"I've thrived under the opportunity here. I've enjoyed playing my football, I've been playing some great football and scoring some good goals. 

"Hopefully I can continue to score those goals and lead this team in the best way I know how."

England netted 13 goals in 14 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham last season. 

And new head coach Robert Vilahamn is relishing working with the Lionesses star. 

He said: "Bethany is a true professional who always gives her best and demands the best from her environment. 

"She's a winner and a great role model for others as she always puts the team first. 

"Together with this, she is a very humble person who treats everyone with respect, which makes her the perfect leader and ambassador for Tottenham."

Defender Molly Bartrip and midfielder Olga Ahtinen have been named vice-captains.

Vilahamn added: "Molly and Olga are very similar to Bethany as they are very professional footballers who perform and demand excellence in everything they do, both on and off the field, and at the same time they always treat people with respect. 

"They always want to develop. And with their great leadership qualities, they set an example for the team to follow."

Tottenham face Emma Hayes' champions at Stamford Bridge in their WSL curtain-raiser on October 1.