Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.2 2022-23

The FA has confirmed the marquee international between England and
the United States at Wembley Stadium on Friday 7th October will be
dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the senior women’s team.
More than 100 former England women’s internationals are
expected to attend the fixture as guests of The FA, which sees the 2022
European Champions welcome the current World Champions in front of
a sell-out Wembley Stadium connected by EE.
As part of the celebrations, members of the inaugural team who
made history when they played Scotland in the first full international on
18 November 1972 will play a key role in proceedings, lining up with the
current generation and representatives from an England development team ahead of kick
off. Attendees from the 1972 team will also receive a bespoke England cap on the evening
as part of a special presentation.
All former players in attendance will be invited pitchside at half-time to receive the
acknowledgement of the crowd.
In line with the anniversary, the England women’s team will mirror the men’s senior
team by adopting the tradition of legacy numbers. The initiative will celebrate the
individuals who hold the honour of representing the nation at women's senior level with
their own unique number.
All former players have been identified via a thorough research programme
commissioned by The FA with the ambition to better recognise the history of the women’s
game. JJ Heritage, former members of the WFA, FIFA, UEFA, the National Football
Museum, the British Library and other members of the women’s football family have been
central to its creation.
The legacy numbers will be announced on Friday 18 November 2022, the team’s
official anniversary, and will allow all former and current players to collectively
acknowledge their own part in England’s history. The legacy numbers will then be worn in
England’s matchday shirts from 2023 onwards. Every former player will in due course
receive a special velvet cap with their newly-established legacy number embroidered on the
front.
Sarina Wiegman, England Women’s head coach, said: “We are all grateful to the
former generation of players who have paved the way for today’s growth and success. All
of them represented their country with so much talent but also fought so hard on and off
the pitch to break barriers and make the women’s game what it now is. The players today
also know the challenges they faced and appreciate everything that has been done to give
them the opportunities they now have. It is great we can say thank you to the Lionesses
legends.”
Kay Cossington, Head of Women’s Technical at The FA, said: “The USA game will be
a fantastic chance to celebrate and thank all the Lionesses who have worn the shirt with
pride since 1972. The FA is indebted to every former player, all of whom are valued
members of the ‘England family’. The summer’s success and sell-out crowds at Wembley
Stadium would not be possible without them and we hope they can reflect on the role they
have played and they enjoy their evening.
“We are also indebted to many in the women’s football family who have helped collate
this historic list. In particular, Professor Jean Williams and Patricia Gregory, who have
worked tirelessly with FA colleagues to make this happen.”
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