It is not just in the WSL where there are a lack of female coaches.

Of the 32 coaches at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, only 12 were women. Only three of the 14 coaches in the United States’ domestic league are female.

But Clements says the expansion of the WSL plays a part in creating barriers for homegrown coaches specifically, adding to the existing challenges for English women hoping to take on senior positions in the game.

It’s the FA’s job to “champion the ability and talent we do have in England”, he says.

There remains a large talent pool of English female head coaches in the Women’s Championship – with five currently in charge out of the 11 clubs – and the FA’s national youth team set-ups.

Amy Merricks was recently named head coach at Birmingham City in the second tier, having acted as interim manager at WSL club Brighton on two occasions.

She says it has often been “really difficult to understand” clubs’ recruitment processes and she wants more information on what they are looking for.

“We have a significant amount of female coaches in the game, it’s more about how we build them and give them the experience of what’s required,” Merricks told BBC Sport.

“We can only do that if we know what clubs are looking for. I’ve been in situations where you’re close to the interview process, then a decision has been made. You wonder if you have had a fair chance.

“Do foreign coaches have experience in their leagues and that is therefore perceived as less of a risk?

“How are panels made up in the interview process? Is there enough diversity within that? How many of those head coach appointments have been made by females in those positions? They are the recruiters.

“The other point that I think needs to be addressed is the lack of black coaches. Former Brighton manager Hope Powell was the only black coach and now there are none.”