Ipswich Women add Earl before new season

Maddy Earl has scored twice in 11 games for England's Under-19s

Ipswich Town Women have signed England Under-19 midfielder Maddy Earl on a season-long loan from Arsenal.

She joins an Ipswich squad preparing for their opening game against Southampton in Women's Super League 2 - formerly the Championship - following last season's promotion from the third tier.

Earl spent last season on loan with Bristol City and Sheffield United, and also signed a first professional contract with Arsenal in January.

"Ipswich is a really ambitious club and I want to contribute to the team as much as possible this season," the 18-year-old said. "I feel like this is a great place to develop my own game as well."

Town, who will play their home games at Colchester United's ground this season, have made seven other signings this summer.

They have also brought in New Zealand international Grace Neville (London City Lionesses), Jenna Dear (Sunderland), Bethan Roe (Charlton), Ruby Doe (West Ham), Rianna Dean (Southampton), Paige Peake (Southampton) and Sophie Baigent (Hashtag United), most of whom have Championship experience.

The game against Southampton at St Mary's kicks off at 14:00 BST on Saturday.

Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie are back for another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. New episodes drop every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus find interviews and extra content from the Women's Super League and beyond on the Women's Football Weekly feed