Lionesses Celebrate Milestone 500th Match Event
England’s senior women’s team will play their 500th international in April. The milestone match is against Iceland on Saturday 18 April, kick-off 5.30pm BST.
Celebrations begin earlier at game 499. That fixture is a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier with Spain at Wembley on Tuesday 14 April.
Wembley celebrations and former players
More than fifty former Lionesses will attend the Wembley match. Most will form a guard of honour as the teams walk out.
Representatives of Lynda Hale’s family will be present. Hale scored in England’s first official women’s fixture in 1972 and has recently passed away.
Wembley will feature branding and celebratory touches honoring five decades. These installations will recognise those who shaped the team.
Nuneaton plaque and historical milestone
The FA will unveil a commemorative plaque in Nuneaton on Thursday 16 April. This marks the site of England’s first home fixture.
That first home meeting was against Scotland on 23 June 1973. England won 8-0.
Members of the current squad will attend the afternoon celebrations in Nuneaton. The event will acknowledge the team’s early history.
Commemorative kit and merchandise
For the 500th, the team will wear a bespoke pre-match top made by Nike. The design draws on the original Women’s FA logo to honour early pioneers.
Players will wear the top during the warm-up in Reykjavik. Limited black and white versions go on sale at the Wembley store on Tuesday 14 April.
They will then be released online from Wednesday 15 April. Supporters should expect a small allocation of the designs.
Schedule
- Tuesday 14 April — Spain at Wembley (World Cup qualifier).
- Thursday 16 April — Commemorative plaque unveiling in Nuneaton.
- Saturday 18 April — Iceland in Reykjavik, kick-off 5.30pm BST.
Fan content and captain’s message
Fans can expect ten days of dedicated content across England channels. Stories and reflections will feature past and present players.
Captain Leah Williamson said the milestone is an opportunity to honour former Lionesses. She stressed the importance of recognising trailblazers and their work.
Williamson added that current players are custodians of the game for the next generation. The squad aims to continue pushing the sport forward.
Tickets for the Spain match at Wembley remain available. Filmogaz.com has more details and coverage for readers who wish to follow the celebrations.
Supporters will celebrate the milestone at each event. The series of fixtures and tributes will mark a special chapter for the Lionesses.
