The Legends Before the Lionesses

Groundbreaking untold story of England women's football heroes before the Lionesses, with exclusive insight from players. This is a must-read for all fans of women's football.

By renowned sport historian Jean Williams: an author, curator and heritage consultant who worked across all ten host city sites during the Women's Euros in 2022.



Jean is the first historian to document every woman who debuted for England from 1972 to 2025, having met many of them for the first time in person when they were awarded their Legacy caps by the FA in 2022
Many hours of interviews followed to allow the players to tell their stories in their own words
Beginning as penniless amateurs in 1972, the legends before the Lionesses often funded international duty out of their own pockets, some hitching a lift to meet the team bus and living on handouts
Nevertheless, at the launch of the first women's Euros in 1984, they almost won the title, but for a pitch like a ploughed field and a Pia Sundhage penalty that saw Sweden triumph
Today, newly professional players such as Alessia Russo, Katie Zelem, Lauren James, Beth Mead, Leah Williams and Lucy Bronze have become style icons as well as role models


As the Lionesses prepare to defend their Euros crown in 2025, this fascinating book details for the first time how England women have become not only the pride of a nation but agents of social change, as well as ambassadors for fashion and lifestyle brands. One of the trendiest squads in the world are changing how football for women and girls is viewed, but also using their individual platforms for wider social good.