The Football Association (FA) have announced that there will be a celebration of former Lionesses at the upcoming England women’s national football team match against the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium on November 21, 2023. The celebration will mark the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of England and the Netherlands, played in November 1973 at Reading’s Elm Park, with England winning 1-0.
Recognition of Legacy
The FA will be honoring the former Lionesses for their contributions to the game of football. More than 90 former Lionesses are expected to be in attendance at the match, and there will be a pre-match ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
Special Caps for Former Lionesses
As part of the celebration, the FA will be presenting each former Lioness with a personalized legacy cap. The caps will be numbered from 1 to 227, reflecting the unique number assigned to each player who has represented England since the first international against Scotland in November 1972.
A Significant Milestone
Speaking about the celebration, FA Women’s Football Director Baroness Sue Campbell said:
“This is a significant milestone for English women’s football, and it is only fitting that we take this opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements of our former Lionesses. These women have paved the way for the current generation of players, and we are incredibly grateful for their contributions to the game.”
Inspiring Future Generations
The celebration of the former Lionesses is sure to inspire future generations of female footballers. By recognizing the achievements of these trailblazers, the FA is sending a powerful message that women’s football has a rich history and a bright future.
In addition to the celebration of the former Lionesses, there will also be a number of other activities taking place at Wembley Stadium on matchday. These activities will include:
- A live music performance from the Lionesses’ official band, The Lionesses’ Pride
- A fan zone with activities for all ages
- A food and drink village
Tickets for the match are on sale now and can be purchased from the FA’s website.
