England is off to a phenomenal start at this year’s summer European Championships. The anticipated football event, hosted in England began on July 6 and will carry on until July 31.
This week saw England secure their spot in the quarter-finals, after an impressive 8-0 win against Norway on Monday and 5-0 win over Northern Ireland at St Mary’s. The knockout phase begins on Wednesday with a major match against Spain, which will decide the fate of England spot leading up to the finals.
As well as the Euros, this year is an important one for women’s football. England will be celebrating the anniversary of the first official women’s international match.
Read more: England sent Ada Hegerberg warning by Lionesses legend ahead of Norway clash at Women's Euro 2022
When was England’s first official women’s international match?
Almost 50 years ago on November 18 1972, Scotland hosted England for the first official women’s international match for both countries. The historic match took place at Ravenscraig Stadium in Greenock, Scotland.
The first goal for England was scored by Sylvia Gore, Scotland then scored two goals through Mary Carr and Rose Reilly. But luck was on England’s side that day as England’s very own Pat Davies hit back with a brace to win 3-2.
The 1972 lionesses, who played in front of 400 people, recently expressed their disappointment to i newspaper that they are yet to be honoured with an official cap. According to the article, the team were ‘forced’ to pay for their own handmade replica caps and they felt ‘underappreciated’.
Maggie Pearce, who played right-back during the 1972 victory match, told the newspaper “It’s all very well saying we’re pioneers, but show us. It’s frustrating and disappointing when you hear all this going on.”
FA have responded back by saying they are working on a project to recognise all former internationals, which will coincide with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the England’s Women team.
Women’s football first grew in popularity following the success of its first match in 1917 against Belfast. However, it was brought to a sudden end when the FA banned women from playing at the end of 1921.
The ban came right after World War One and while there was a push to resume life as it was before the war began for men, women lost their wartime jobs and their places on the football pitch. The ban remained in place for 50 years.
It wasn’t until 1969 when the Women’s FA (WFA) was formed that women could play. Within three years of its formation, the first 'Women's FA Cup Final' and England Women's international had been played.
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