Former NWSL Star Reveals ‘Country vs. Club’ Dilemma Amid Players’ Increased Struggles

“It just feels like there’s more grace,” Tobin Heath once remarked while drawing parallels between the NWSL and European leagues. The USWNT icon identified a major challenge faced by players in the American domestic tournaments—struggling to readjust after returning from international duty, as the season kicks off early in the year. In contrast, European players are given a leeway of easing back into pre-season before the official campaign begins.

Hearing this, you might be quick to assume that the European leagues clearly have the upper hand over their American counterparts. But in reality, both sides have their own pros and cons—it’s not as black and white as it seems. This discussion came to light when Jen Beattie joined the panel on the Attacking Third show, alongside host Sandra Herrera and former USWNT star Jessica McDonald, to talk about the mental switch required when transitioning between club and country duties.

Beattie pointed to the men’s game as an example, explaining that during this period, players are often juggling national team duties and returning to their clubs just in time for high-stakes matches—like Champions League semifinals, FA Cup finals, or other title-deciding fixtures. “You can look at so many different windows, but this April one specifically… it’s the most important time. You have to have that mental switch,” said the former defender who hung up her boots earlier this year.

Reflecting on her own experience, the former Scotland international admitted it was somewhat of a blessing in disguise that her national team often didn’t qualify for any major international tournament. As a result, she rarely had to deal with the pressure of returning from international duty and immediately delivering for her club. However, Jen acknowledged that had that been the case, it would have posed a significant challenge.

“In terms of European football, it’s crunch time. You’re thinking, ‘How do I manage this?’ It’s so hard, especially the older you get and you’re managing niggles; [you] want to be physically peeking at the right time,” explained the former Bay FC defender, while also citing constant travel as one of the difficulties that players usually faced.

Though Beattie insisted that representing one’s national team is the “biggest honor anyone can ever have,” she insisted that things eventually get tiring for players—albeit for someone like her, who used to love the constant international and domestic ‘packing and unpacking.’ Typically, one reason the 34-year-old identified was a player’s eagerness to keep themselves at their peak, especially at the crunch end of their domestic campaign.

Beattie also emphasized that this is where strong management plays a crucial role—whether it’s coaching, available resources, support staff, or leaning on teammates and exchanging ideas, it all makes a significant difference. “The April window specifically is really, really difficult,” concluded Jen.

While it was quite an insightful take from the former Scottish star, we might as well hear the other side of Europe and NWSL.

How do international tournaments affect the ‘second half of NWSL’?

As mentioned earlier, Tobin Heath once heaped praise on Europe’s ‘graceful’ approach, stating that in the post-international tournaments, their players have enough time to relax for a while, unlike those who are playing in NWSL or even MLS on men’s side. “‘Boom, you’re back in the NWSL. Boom, make the playoffs. Boom, win the Shield, win the championship.’ And you’re like, ‘Can I get a break?’ I think that’s really, really hard,” remarked Heath in one of the segments of the RE—INC podcast.

She even reckoned that post-USWNT’s gold medal win, star players like Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, or Sophia Wilson may end up requiring much more time than anticipated to readjust to the domestic settings. “The world championship years always affect the second part of the NWSL,” admitted Heath.

The end result? Rodman ended up sustaining a relapse of her old back injury. Meanwhile, the likes of Wilson and Swanson couldn’t do much for their side to help them win either of the prestigious domestic silverware.

Coincidence? We don’t think so. Harsh truth? Maybe! Regardless, one shall admit the toll it takes on players to play at the top level for both their club and country!