2020 has certainly been an unprecedented start to the decade. With a global pandemic postponing a huge amount of sporting events including the 2021 Women’s Euros and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was England prepared for this?

In March, COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). With an increasing amount of cases in England, communities across the country were quick to find themselves in a strict household lockdown as the month ended.

We spoke exclusively to England International and Birmingham City midfielder Emma Kelly, to see how she is dealing with the threat of COVID-19.

Since joining Birmingham City in January, the young Lioness has been putting in the work behind closed doors to become one of the prominent forces in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Before the WSL and the Women's Championship (WC) originally announced their suspension, many players were on international break for two weeks, meaning that countless fans have not seen their favourite stars take to the pitch since late February.

Kelly explained that the lockdown was a “huge disappointment” due to it pausing the season over half-way through, especially with the restrictions unfolding in her first few months of returning to the English league.

“I think it is a very serious and worrying time for everyone, I am trying to think of new and different things to do every day to keep myself busy!"

Despite the FA recently announcing the conclusion of the 19/20 WSL season, the top-flight clubs are still providing their players with schedules and training plans to ensure that their fitness levels stay consistent, even during the lockdown.

Kelly stated that: “My club coach has provided us with very helpful and detailed fitness programmes, which has been extremely useful to keep myself fit and sharp for whenever we are to return.”

Birmingham City continues to support their players off of the pitch with regular webcam calls with the club nutritionist and staff, but for many players, motivation is starting to lack with there being no real incentive of when football will start up again.