EXCLUSIVE: The original Lionesses who played in England’s first ever women’s international football match in 1972 join fans as they cheer on the World Cup team
- The trailblazing football veterans celebrated with fans at Wembley Boxpark
Trailblazing Lioness veterans joined other football fans to roar on England as they took on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final.
A contingent of original Lionesses – who played in the UK’s first ever women’s international match – were among the crowd at Wembley Boxpark watching the historic match in Sydney.
The veteran sporting heroes wore T-shirts with the slogan ‘1972 Lionesses – Yes, we were the first’.
Seven of the original squad were at the Wembley fan zone where they were lauded and cheered by fans.
Now grey haired and in their 60s, the women were part of the historic first women’s international played in the UK when they took on Scotland in November 1972. England won the match 3-2.
Seven of the original England squad were at the Wembley Boxpark where they were lauded and cheered by fans
The veteran players appeared in high spirits at London’s Boxpark as the match kicked off
The Lioness veterans were surrounded by crowds as they watched England take on Spain in the World Cup final
Pat Davies, 68, who played centre forward in the match, said: ‘It is just unbelievable to be here.
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‘I never thought that one day I would be watching the England women’s team in a World Cup final. It is amazing and I just hope that they can lift the trophy. It would mean so much.’
Davies, from Tenby, Wales, said the original members of the team had lost touch with other but got together last year when they were presented with medals on the 50th anniversary of the match.
‘It is so wonderful to be here and to see so many fans cheering on the Lionesses.’
The former trailblazers joined all the thrills and spills inside the Boxpark as they watched their beloved England take on Spain.
The group of veteran players were pictured cheering on the Lionesses surrounded by other fans.
And as the match began, there were jubilant scenes as England’s Lauren Hemp’s stunning shot almost netted the first goal of the match, clipping the crossbar instead.
But moments later, it was horror for the Lionesses as Spain scored the opener, while England fans groaned at the goal.
The former trailblazers joined all the thrills and spills inside the Boxpark as they watched their beloved England take on Spain
But it was early heartbreak as Spain scored the opening goal of the clash in Sydney, Australia
Maya Jama and Rio Ferdinand were among the fans in front of the big screen in the Olympic Park shocked into silence when the goal was scored.
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Lee Hewett, 43, of Lambeth, said: ‘It’s not good, definitely not good but we’ll be okay. I’ve got a feeling we’ll be okay. I think we’ll beat them.’
On watching Spain score, he added: ‘Your heart just drops… because you obviously want England to win, but I’m confident.’
Earlier, football fans wearing England’s red and white kit queued for hours before the game kicked off.
Mother-of-two Keara Smith had travelled from her home in Reading, Berkshire, with her sons Andre, 12, and Leon, 11, to watch the match and soak up the atmosphere inside the Boxpark venue.
‘This is the most important game of football since 1966,’ she said. ‘We got up very early to come here as we wanted to be part of the day.’
Another fan Rebecca Robinson, 25, said victory for the Lionesses will be a huge boost for the whole country.
‘If they win it will be such a boost for England. Everyone will be in such a good mood, and it will bring everyone in the country together.’
Fiona Frazer brought her five-year-old daughter Aria to the Boxpark and was among the first in the queue.
Let the party begin! Hundreds of fans have packed into fan zones across the UK to watch the Women’s World Cup final. Pictured are supporters at the Boxpark Croydon on Sunday
And in Croydon, England fans are sinking the pints – with these two supporters opting to buy in bulk as they watch the match from the Boxpark fan zone
Hundreds of fans have packed into the Boxpark fan zone ahead of the Women’s World Cup final
The party atmosphere is well underway at the Boxpark fan zone in Croydon with these supporters getting in the drinks before kick-off
She said: ‘We’ve been watching all the games on the TV, but this is the special one. When we win, an it is when and not if, the whole country will celebrate.’
Her daughter was even more confident, saying: ‘Football’s coming home.’
Many of those queuing were die hard England fans who support both the women and men’s team.
They are all hoping the result is more favourable than the last time they were at the Boxpark when the watched England lose in the World Cup semi-final to France last December.
It was heartbreaking when the men’s team lost,’ said Sally Langmead. I am really hoping the women can go one better and win the World Cup. It will mean so much, not just to women’s football but the whole country.’
Wembley is one of three Boxpark venues in London.
All 2,500 tickets sold out within eight minutes of the Lionesses beating Australia to book their place in the final.
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