Chelsea’s Record Run Ends, The 2026 World Cup Draw Is Made And The Girls Gear Up For The Winter Break

0:00All new Sundays at 9, exclusively on AMC and AMC+. I am the vampire Lestat. I'm a rock star now. I'm a little killer. I'm a little more. From Anne Rice's Immortal Universe comes what Vulture calls the most momentous event in fictional rock history.

0:17Rach:Thousands of fans love you. I want millions. It's my era. Anne Rice's The Vampire Lestat. All new Sundays at 9, exclusively on AMC and AMC+. Stream now. For adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis symptoms, every choice matters. Tremphaya offers self-injection or intravenous infusion from the start. Tremphaya is administered as injections under the skin or infusions through a vein every four weeks, followed by injections under the skin every four or eight weeks. If your doctor decides that you can self-inject Tremphaya, proper training is required. Tremphaya is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis.

1:04Serious allergic reactions, increased risk of infections or lower ability to fight them, and liver problems may occur. Before treatment, get checked for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu-like symptoms, or need a vaccine. Explore what's possible. Ask your doctor about Tremphaya today. Call 1-800-526-7736 to learn more or visit Tremfieradio.com.

1:5240 grams of protein made to keep up with whatever comes next. New sweet green wraps hit different.

1:58Rach:Order now at order.sweetgreen.com. This episode is powered by British Gas, who we are buzzing to announce have joined the Daily Brightness team as our new partners, which is perfect timing because Sundays are our favorite day of the week. Yeah, everyone's switching on for kickoff. Kettle, telly, the lot. But with peak save from British Gas, customers can take advantage of half-price electricity every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over a million people already use it to save money, helping you make the most of your Sunday. And it lines up perfectly with the football. You can relax, watch the game, and let the house do the work.

2:32Rach:And it's not just homes they are taking care of. They are backing the Barclays Women's Super League too, showing the same reliability and support on the pitch as they do off it. British Gas, proud partner of the Barclays Women's Super League. Search British Gas, peak save to start saving. Up to 60 kilowatts per session, eligible tariff and smart meter required.

2:55Rach:Hello everyone and welcome to Daily Brightness. Firstly, I know it's already been your birthday, Bestie, but I just want to officially say on the pod, happy birthday. Thank you. How was it? It was really nice, actually, because it was my first one I've ever had while I've been traveling on and away trips. I was like, oh, not what you want to do, but reframe your brain. you're in a hotel with your teammates and you've got a game and you know whatever so it was nice i um i went for a meal with sarah my friend around here um for an indian in the week to celebrate that that was nice what's your order i had a chicken sag with garlic naan and spicy that in it it's nice no it's not that spicy it's not spicy not for me and then yeah the girls made it really good like everyone at the club made it really nice like i had balloons and oh that's really cute the dining room and at tottenham and lucy stan and sean goer sang a big happy birthday to me give me a dance and like a full personal serenade uh shout out to stan and then yeah today i went to a castle which was really really nice had a really nice time you know how much i i don't know where it comes from but i am obsessed with castles she loves castles so one of my friends took me as my birthday present to warwick castle which was gorgeous so yeah that's really cute and have you had a good week are you okay yeah good yeah yeah good bestie it's been a good week actually it's been a really good week apart from the weather the weather's been crap you love this weather that's i do and i'm still walking in shorts and my wellies and everyone looks at me like oh here's the here's the farmer girl and i'm like yeah too right my roots will never ever die but yeah it's been a good week it's yeah like you said I think you said I think it was last week I had a bit of a wobbler but yeah I feel really good this week made some progressions and yeah feeling good I'm excited because I finally obviously I had all that stuff to deal with with Zeus so my head was like completely kaput with that but I have I'm a little bit late actually normally I've got all my Christmas shopping done by now but I've started it so I'm back on track hopefully that all comes and I can get all that wrapped and done and then obviously i'm not getting anyone presents this year yeah all my family and friends listening right now the bank of rachel is officially closed you're getting married so it's different this christmas i'm sorry darling it's all about me it is all about you i mean i'm still gonna get everyone something present come my way yeah we are actually gonna spoil this she's gonna be spot rotten with a red her wedding but yeah i mean i'm not going normally i go wild at Christmas and mum and dad absolutely kill me and have a go at me but I did obviously just buy the second house so I need to be a little bit sensible but I'm still getting everyone's stuff um but I'm getting anxiety because normally by the 1st of December it's all wrapped and under the tree and ready to roll which Zeus kind of put a spanner in the works on that so we'll let him off.

5:51My mum's dog died this week. What? Mum's dog passed away this week so sad she's been so upset bless her.

5:57Rach:oh I'm gonna need to message her it's awful it's the worst thing and that's I think that's why I'm still like anxiety because I know Zeus's day is coming like I'm just I've literally got up until Christmas with him and then we'll move on because otherwise the tears will flood and I can't deal with any more emotional stuff this freaking year month whatever let's let's move on anyway move on on to Christmas um I thought the listeners might like to hear what we're gonna be doing this week yeah so I am going with my team to Birmingham Children's Hospital tomorrow, which is, it sounds weird, but it's one of my favourite things to do.

6:34And obviously it's extremely sad, but it's so rewarding, like just being able to like put a smile on the children's faces and, you know, be able to hand out some presents to them. So it is something that I really enjoy doing because I think such a little goes such a long way in those situations. And the work that the nurses and the doctors do at the Birmingham Children's Hospital is incredible. So a massive, massive shout out to them. Also, this morning I put on This Morning, right? And have you seen about the little boy, Noah? He's from, I think he's from Rotherham. He's seven and he's raising money.

7:13Did you hear about it?

7:14Rach:No. Oh my God. We need to like give him a huge shout out. I cried my eyes out this morning. Well, he won't be far from my mum and dad, Rotherham. It's like round the corner. Honestly, I knew straight away he was from Yorkshire and he started talking. He's only seven. Yeah. And he said, his story was, he heard his mum and dad talking and he was like, and then I butted in conversation because he was like, because he said he heard them talking about raising money and he wanted to raise money for the hospital, like a children's hospital and he set out to raise£1 ,000 doing running a mile a day. That's seven.

7:48That's a lot. That's a lot. Freaking out. And he's raised£38 ,000.

7:53Rach:Did you ever set out to make that much money, Noah? I set out to raise£1 ,000, but now it's gone way over that. Way over that. Way over. What a legend. Shout out to Noah. Noah, if you are a fan of me or Rach or both of us or Daily Brighteners, we can definitely get something sorted, get some signed shirts sorted for you. So that is Noah Playforth. We are so, so proud of you. Keep smashing it, kiddo. And go and read his story and sponsor him. donate whatever you can do incredible yeah incredible and just look don't matter how old you are like just doing a little gesture like that and he's raised over 38 000 already like that is honestly blown away incredible inspiring incredible but yeah like you said rachel we're also doing the hospital visit and we're actually doing a visit for loneliness which obviously with the um chelsea foundation i've been doing the magic of blue campaign which has been amazing we've had so many donations already so thank you to everyone that has if you haven't still plenty of time to donate but I've again I did the hospital visit last year and I always end up in tears like it's just because you know what it is I think we all go through life and you know we all have issues and we all go through struggles but I always try and think that is when you're struggling there's always someone in a position that's a lot worse and that's going through and you go into these hospitals and these little kids are just some of them are fighting for their lives and they're smiling and they're happy and they're just so grateful that people say hello or you give them a scarf or a little a little football literally a ball of air and they're like giggling and laughing and they're so happy and I just think sometimes we all need to remember that there's there's people actually fighting for lives and our problems always seem a little bit smaller then that's not to say they're not valid and you can't be suffering but it really is a bit of a wake-up call doing the hospital visits and I just you just come away feeling so like happy and like you've made a difference to someone like that little kid that's fighting for their lives and they're just so grateful for a hello and special moment actually the other day at training from the hospital visit last year there was a little boy and he came with the foundation the other day to training and he was literally so poorly last year and now he's like you should see his face it's just filled with happiness and love and laughter and he came to training and he was kicking a ball around and he like remembered he remembered who i was and gave me like a massive hug and i was just like oh my god like i would do anything to keep making a difference like that and yeah i'm really looking forward to doing the the visits again that's what that nowhere said it's so cute they showed a clip of him and he was like yeah i've got a new friend called logan and he made this friend at the hospice who is non-verbal and he runs with him like he pushes him and runs and it honestly it was like yeah he's so funny but he's non-verbal and he's seven and they've made a really good bond it's just amazing it's amazing I honestly I'll start crying again let's change the subject moving on what are your plans for Christmas because it's very very near honestly there's not a right lot like I'm not doing my rounds this year because everyone's coming to me she's getting married here comes the bride you're obviously going home yeah i'm just gonna go home but i was just gonna ask you what's one thing you would like this christmas doesn't have to be a gift you just want once christmas has ended you're like oh that was amazing like what's one thing you want from this christmas i definitely want to be able to remember my wedding oh bestie i'll make sure you remember pictures and videos you know what i think i think i just i'm i really want to make the most of spending time with my family and friends this year yeah because i think it's always quite a rush you've got to go here you've got to go there you've got to do this you've got to do that and I always find nobody comes to me it's quite nice that you're not going to have to travel I'm excited to not have to travel like once I'm at home I'm there and I'm set and I'm at base camp for a little bit yeah but yeah that'll be nice I think you deserve that as well I'm really looking forward to it for you right moving on let's talk about the men's world cup draw I actually didn't watch it no I didn't but I've seen a lot on social media yeah I've seen a few clips that's all I'll say on the matter and I didn't expect to see what I saw to be honest but I think the atmosphere is going to be amazing England's first group game is in Dallas obviously you played in Houston for many many years what do you think the atmosphere crowds are going to be like?

12:24it's going to be hot really hot humid like scorching hot so do you know what it'll be I worry about England fans going there because they'll underestimate the heat and they'll be pissed off

12:38Rach:someone like me would come out like a lobster. Dallas is a cool city. I didn't spend so, so much time there. Obviously just Houston. But yeah, I recommend like Boston and New York. Where England are playing. Sick. You've always spoke so highly of those places. Boston for me was always like, it's the most that reminded me of home because it's New England. Like it literally is very like British vibes but American. And I think it's a really, really cool place. But New York, you know, that has a place in my heart for sure. Well, you never know. Maybe we could feature at a game over there. Maybe we could be going to watch.

13:15We should go to New York or Boston for sure.

13:17Rach:Yeah, DB on tour. I would absolutely love to go and watch the World Cup games. Yeah, I've never been to a men's World Cup game, I think. I mean, never even been to a women's World Cup game other than playing in one. No, I think it'd be really cool. So, yeah, keep an eye out. DB on tour next summer. Right, we're going to take a little break. We'll be back very soon for all the updates and the juicy goss on the WSL. This episode is brought to you by Barclays. That's right, because this year they're celebrating 25 years of supporting football. And let me tell you, they truly have made a difference.

13:49I mean, to start, you can't talk about Barclays without mentioning the Premier League, can you? Especially when they've helped make it the giant it is today.

13:56Rach:Don't forget, they ended up being the biggest ever commercial investors in UK women's sport when they start sponsoring the Barclays Women's Super League. But it's not all about the big leagues, because there's no football without grassroots football. So let's talk about how important the support of grassroots football is. How does it help young stars develop? Oh, I think having the right facilities, I think having the right investment. I don't think you should have to wait to be a professional or at a certain age to experience proper facilities, safe environments. Not only is it just football, it creates a community.

14:29It creates a safe space for kids to play football and want to start. Everyone starts at a certain level and without grassroots football, there'd be no chance of even going pro. It's why Barclays has invested millions into grassroots programmes and community initiatives to give opportunities in football to those who need it most. Search Barclays football to find out more.

14:51Welcome back to Daily Brightness. We're going to talk all things WSL now and we're going to start off by Chelsea playing against Everson and Millie. that one must hurt it hurts a lot I'm not happy at all defeated in the WSL for the first time in 585 days but you know what it is right it was bound to cut

15:14Rach:I think this is the thing for me is listen I think we're obviously disappointed with the result and I think when you're everyone straight away is like oh they're no longer unbeaten do you know what that's a great it's a great status but I'm not bothered about that the thing is when you're competing for titles every point matters and now we've I think the annoying thing is we've just extended City's gap and I think being a team that's been at the top for so long we know how important like we know that dropping so many points is not ideal because it then becomes out of your control and you're now reliant on opponents dropping points to kind of close that gap again but listen it's a long season I think there's been a lot of noise and it's been very dramatic oh my god Chelsea have lost da da da da well do you know what it is like one of the girls said to me on the bus yesterday they were like it wasn't even like five minutes after the game had finished and she saw someone tweeting saying like I don't even recognise my club anymore and I was like yeah it's very very dramatic like come on now it's just like you are always going to lose at some point like the day was always going to come you don't go undefeated forever and let's not take it away from Everton also shout out to Courtney Brosnan because she was elite yeah I mean I've always said this though like she absolutely has her best games against the top teams but I think she's been someone that's been under the radar a little bit and I think she's a fantastic shot stopper and you know the way she covers the goal and she again she had another outstanding performance I think Ruby Mace like Ruby Mace was fantastic I think she blocked absolutely everything but for us like we had opportunities we hit the bar keep us having a world day but listen like the WSL is getting harder and harder like I think as much as people talk about us you have to give credit to the opposition they like everyone's like they're going to tie her they defended for 90 minutes plus at that intensity yeah and you gotta give credit where credit is true and they are a good side they're a really good side i think yes we're unhappy and listen we are human we are going to drop points there's games that we're going to lose but that's obviously our intentions is always to win i think for us it's just you just make it that little bit harder now to go on and achieve what you want to achieve but it's a long season so i I think for us, there's no drama in camp.

17:23There's no, it's not chaotic.

17:25Rach:There's no panic. Yeah, it is what it is. But quick turnaround, Champions League. And for us, these two Champions League games are must wins. Like we obviously not put ourselves in the position in that either that we want to be in, but all you can control is the game in front of you. So we stick together, we bounce back and we're ready for a big game Wednesday night at the bridge. But I think, yeah, there's just a lot of noise on the outside because it's something that people aren't used to seeing. and I think a lot of people want to see it though I think a lot of people want to see Chelsea lose and they want to see a new title winner and someone else lifting the trophies but that's football, that's the price you pay of being a serial winner for X amount of years and as a club that's what we've been so your target on your back becomes a lot bigger but as a team and an environment it's calm, obviously we're not happy but there's no time to dwell and cry about it we move on and we get ready for Roma and we'll bounce back and what I would say, a message to the fans is just stick with us and remember that we aren't like completely invincible like we are humans it does happen it's part of football other big teams have also lost games and also teams around you everyone's getting better everyone's getting better it's getting harder to win so and for us yeah we we know we need to put the ball in the back of the net we know we're creating the chances and we we're not as clinical enough but it's it's part of football like it's you can't be perfect every single week.

18:45Rach:So we are, we don't go to training or to games and with the intention to not score and to not win. Like, the girls are giving absolutely everything they can give. So for us, it's calm. Like, we move on. We always look to be better. We've analysed. Hi, this is Gary Lineker from Goalhangers. The rest is football. This episode is brought to you by Wise. It's only when you start moving money between currencies that you really think about the exchange rate, the fee and what might be hidden away in the small print. Whether you're living abroad, paying someone overseas, or just trying to manage your money across borders, you want a fair exchange rate, an easy transfer, and no surprises along the way.

19:24Wise keeps things simple. Wise is a smart way to move the currencies you need around the globe. It works in more than 160 countries and with over 40 currencies. Most transfers arrive instantly. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, like the one you see on Google, with no markups or hidden fees. So when money needs to move, you can see the rate, know the fee and get on with it. Join millions saving billions on hidden fees by downloading the Wise app today. Be smart, get wise, T's and C's apply. This episode is brought to you by Duluth Trading Company. Whether it's the 19th inning, the 12th quarter or the fifth and a half shift, Overtime isn't going anywhere, which is why Duluth builds hard-working gear for folks who work their butts off.

20:10Their work shirts are built for function and comfort, giving a big foam middle finger to all that's futile. And the new ultra-tough no-quit utility shirt is equipped with cooling and wicking tech to keep you comfortable. Give no quits. Shop at a Duluth store near you or at DuluthTrading.com. This episode is brought to you by SoFi, the all-in-one finance app where you can bank, borrow, and invest. It's time to achieve your financial ambitions. Earn more on your savings with the SoFi Bank High Yield Savings Account. Ditch your higher interest credit card debt with a SoFi personal loan or start investing on an easy to use platform with SoFi Invest.

20:48Wherever you are on your financial journey, SoFi has got you covered. Learn more at SoFi.com slash Spotify.

20:57Rach:And that's it. So, yeah, there's nothing more to say, really. So let's move on. City 3 Leicester 0 I did actually watch the first half of this game I mean obviously that is a tough one for you to take but I think City are on a great run at the minute what's that 9 out of 10 games I mean it's a massive positive to have Carolyn back because I think she is an absolute baller played against her a few times in America and I was just like this girl's got it like she's decent she does she has a little bit of everything as well but I will shout out to Leicester I think for a large period of the game until obviously City got their first goal they were extremely they're stubborn to play against, which I know that from playing against them.

21:34Rach:But I think they're just tired and then gaps open up and City bring on players like Carolyn and then the quality just shines through. So I would agree. I think they're in fantastic form and they've got this real momentum about them at the minute. It's a tough one, isn't it? I didn't get to watch the game, but I think Leicester are such a solid defensive team and they do really well to stop teams doing what they want to do. but I think City, they have that next gear that is just, I think we're starting to see a lot more recently. But anyway, London City got beat by Brighton. Now, that was another one.

22:10That was one of them ones where I just can't call. Scoring one early for Brighton, like defending then for 85 minutes. It's a tough thing to do, especially at London City.

22:19Rach:Well, looking at the stats, London City had ample opportunity to score. They had 14 shots, five on target, compared to Brighton, who had eight shots and three on target. so all right stato oh well just like you know stats matter um but yeah it's whoever puts the ball in the back of the net but again it's one of these things right where i hate when people look where people are in the table like we come up against it don't matter like we come up against heaven and you look at the fixtures and and you look at the the results that they've had it never matches the performance like for me you have to look at the performances because sometimes teams just fall that little bit too short like they fall a little bit short ever and been putting in good performance has just not been getting the results the same with london city they've had some good performances bad performances good wins losses i just don't think you can look at the table i think you have to take the game as it is yeah yeah yeah and you have to appreciate but yeah i agree i don't think i could have called that one um but i like that i like that it's exciting yeah me too moving on to besties team spurs two villa one how was the game it was a weird one right because i think it felt almost like a bit cagey like it was a bit transitional like it was almost like they had a bit of a momentum then we had a bit of momentum and then yeah yeah it was but it was fine like we were doing we were doing well it was absolutely fine but obviously unfortunate for us we got a red card well they scored in stoppage time didn't they so that's a heavy blow to take when teams score then we went down to 10 with about I want to say about 25 minutes to go bloody hell that's a long time yeah so obviously away at Tottenham is always a hard place to go they're flying so it was like a slog trying to you know do that with 10 players yeah Kirstie then went on and scored she's in great form at the minute scored I think four in the last six so shout out to Kirstie Hansen a great little solo run from her and then a finish very Kirstie-esque pace, pace, pace legend pure power but then literally a minute later Beth England scored that I was frustrating because it's like to go one up to then get all excited and then concede I think that's like kind of where we probably needed to be a bit more like right game management yeah you know ultimately they did well to and they're in a really good place Spurs they're a hard team and it was a fantastic header from Beth typical Beth England header and then 95th minute absolutely good honestly I actually could have cried yesterday because I was just like it's so frustrating when like as a team you've worked so hard yeah And everyone is defended really, really well.

24:56Everyone's fought for each other. You felt that bite from the team. Then it's like, oh, shit, we just lost. But it was a decent finish from Olivia Holt, who, by the way, I think is an incredible player. Yeah, she's had a really good season so far. But yeah, for me, just the most important thing out of that game was sending my best wishes to Jess and Az. It was hard to see. And yeah, not nice for anyone to go down like that.

25:21Rach:We're wishing you all the best. if you're listening. So we're sending all of our love. So moving on, Man United 2, West Ham 1. Oh my God, did you see West Ham's goal? Overhead bicycle kick. Well, I think she's one of those players that Shakira Martinez has. Yeah. She's got that like edge. Another close game to be fair, really close. Obviously, when I last clicked on, it was 1-1. Yeah, I think West Ham are picking up. I think they're starting to gain a little bit of momentum. But again, they're a really hard team. Another prime example. not many points on the board but really hard to play against that really gritty now starting to find a little bit of form in front of goal putting the ball on the back of the net but I think United have still got that edge and that grit to power on find a way to win and yeah it's tasty though the league is very very tasty it's heating up next game last game we've got Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1 Olivia Smith firing home first against the former club finished that she's done that a couple times now that sort of finish A late win for Arsenal.

26:25Very late. But again, Liverpool are one of those teams right now. We've got them on Thursday night and I think that they're picking up a good form at the minute. I say form as in they're not really winning many, but they're right up there every time.

26:38Rach:I think they'll be disappointed not to come away with something from that game because I think they actually played really, really well. And I think they had opportunities. But yeah, I think they will be disappointed because they're, again, like you said, they're putting in the effort, they're getting the performances, they're just not quite getting the results. But I think, again, a very dangerous team. And I honestly just don't think you can underestimate anyone. No. But Liverpool have been hit a lot with injuries this year. And also, again, we need to remember the fact that they lost their former coach this year.

27:09And that has a lasting effect on people. That's not something that just goes away. Losing Matt Beard was tragic. And it shouldn't just be forgotten about people thinking and why they're not getting results. There's so many factors that could go into that. No. Got a new manager, had a lot of injuries, lost Olivia Smith, which is a huge loss. Yeah, she was a key player for them. Overall, a good result for Arsenal. Probably a frustrating one for Liverpool, but yeah, I think that's a...

27:37Rach:You've just got to find a way to win. Points on the table, that's what you need. I think just on that game, I think obviously today we saw a statement come out for one of Liverpool's players, Marie, and I think it's just really important she'd been dealing with a man that was abusing her sending abusive messages he actually pleaded guilty and and was arrested and I think it's just a strong message again that as players and as people if you are experiencing abuse on social media to speak up about it because there is help out there and things can be done I think that's a prime example but again just what what are people doing what are you thinking like why i don't understand like why is it necessary was it worth it mate if you can't be nice on social media just come off it just just honestly come off it i'm not sure i just don't understand that also that individual is recovering from an acl like she's already going through enough i don't think it's necessary to abuse anyone and then on top of that people we are actually human as players like we We have a heart.

28:42Rach:I'm not sure if you know, but we do have a heart. We're not robotic. We're not made of steel. Like cracks will start to appear and it does affect us. And you don't know what that mental health can then go on to do. There's things when people suffer with mental health, there's consequences that come with that. Some people don't then want to be on earth. They don't want to be a part of this world. And that is the extent. And I know it seems very dark to say that, but that is the extent that we're, I can't say it enough. And I just don't understand how you could sit there and abuse someone And knowing that that could be the outcome, like what you want that, do you want to live with that for the rest of your life?