Football's first Lioness captain has finally received her England cap – 50 years late.
Sheila Parker, 75, led the side to victory over Scotland in 1972, a year after a ban on women’s football was lifted.
But it’s only now that her original England team members have been properly rewarded by the FA with official caps.
Gran-of-six Sheila, who gets about in a wheelchair following a heart attack, also fulfilled her dream of meeting the current Lioness squad. She was thrilled to watch them beat world champions USA 2-1 on home turf in Wembley on Friday, saying: “I never thought I would live to see this day, the women’s game packing out huge stadiums like this.
“It was incredible, absolutely brilliant.”
The original team was applauded by fans as they went on to the pitch at half-time and Sheila said later: “When I watched them beat Germany in the Euros final from home I felt like I was on the pitch with them. And finally I got the chance to be on the pitch with them.”
Sheila and her original squad, including Pat Davies, Jeannie Allott, Jean Wilson and Wendy Owen, were presented with England caps by recent ex-Lioness Jill Scott, 35, who was thrilled to meet them.
Sheila said: “Jill told me, ‘You’re absolutely amazing. Thank you for paving the way for us. I am so, so proud of you and am so glad I have met you.’”
She also met current Lioness captain Leah Willamson, who couldn’t play in Friday’s friendly due to an injury. Along with head coach Serina Weigman, Leah recorded a personal video message for the original team. “Serina said we were pioneers of the women’s game and without us they wouldn’t be where they are today,” said Sheila. “She said we fought so hard on and off the pitch to break barriers and make the women’s game what it is now, and called us Lioness legends.
“It meant a lot to me to finally have that acknowledgement after 50 years. It’s been a long time coming but I am proud that we have finally got to this stage of recognition that we deserve.”
On Friday the 1972 squad formed a guard of honour holding their caps as the teams exited the tunnel before kick-off. Sheila, of Chorley, Lancs, now hopes to see England steal the USA’s crown at next year’s World Cup.
“What an experience to see England beat the world champions at Wembley,” she said. “It was amazing, emotional. We played very well and I definitely think we can win next year. I am sure we will.”
Sheila and Patricia Gregory, a founder of the Women’s Football Association, had long campaigned to get the caps for the team. They were previously given homemade caps and were never officially recognised by the FA.
Kay Cossington, head of women’s technical at the FA, said: “We’re 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.”
