The Legends Before the Lionesses: The England Women's National Team 1972-2025

The book's greatest strength lies in its unprecedented access and meticulous research. Williams has done what no historian before her has attempted: documenting every single woman who debuted for England from 1972 to 2025. Through extensive interviews and deep archival research, she weaves together the personal sacrifices and triumphs of players who laid the foundation for today's success, often with little recognition and even less financial support.
The narrative arc is particularly compelling as it traces the team's journey from 1972, when players funded their own international duties and sometimes hitchhiked to matches, to the present day, where the sport has become fully professional. Williams skilfully contextualises watershed moments, like the 1984 European Championship campaign, where England came agonisingly close to victory despite playing on subpar pitches, a detail that makes the current team's achievements even more remarkable.
What sets this book apart is its dual focus on both athletic achievement and social impact. Williams explores how the current generation of Lionesses has transcended sport to become cultural icons and advocates for social change. The transformation is stark: from players who once had to beg for basic resources to athletes like Alessia Russo and Lauren James, who now command million-pound transfers and influential brand partnerships.
The book's timing is particularly poignant, as it arrives just as the Lionesses prepare to defend their European crown. Williams demonstrates how the team's recent success, which has catalysed unprecedented growth in attendance and participation, is built on the shoulders of pioneers who fought against institutional barriers and social prejudice. 
However, Williams doesn't just celebrate progress; she prompts readers to consider the work still ahead. While the sport has made tremendous strides, her research reveals ongoing challenges in accessibility and representation, particularly in inner-city areas where the impact of recent successes hasn't fully penetrated.
"The Legends Before the Lionesses" is more than just a sports book; it's a vital historical document that captures a transformative period in women's sport. Through Williams' expert lens, readers gain not just an understanding of how far women's football has come but also a deeper appreciation for the individuals who made that journey possible. For anyone interested in football, social history, or gender equality in sport, this book is essential reading.
This meticulously researched work stands as both a celebration of past achievements and a call to action for the future, ensuring that the legends who built women's football in England will never again be forgotten.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 [Delivered to You First Week July 2025]
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Published: June 23, 2025
Price: £18.99
Hardcover: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801505
ISBN-13: 978-1801509619
Dimensions: 978-1836801504