Lionesses Celebrate 500th Match with Historic Moments and Future Aspirations

Lionesses Celebrate 500th Match with Historic Moments and Future Aspirations

England's Lionesses are poised to reach a significant milestone as they prepare to play their 500th fixture against Iceland in Reykjavik on Saturday at 17:30 BST. This match not only marks a historic moment for the team but also plays a crucial role in their quest for qualification for next year's World Cup in Brazil. The journey of the Lionesses has been filled with landmark achievements over the past decade, including: Winning their first tournament medal Claiming their first major trophy Successfully defending their title on foreign soil Despite the outcome of the upcoming match, it will be a testament to the growth and evolution of women's football in England. The Football Association (FA) had previously banned women's football in 1921, deeming it "most unsuitable for females." This decision pushed the sport into obscurity until the ban was lifted in 1971. To commemorate this milestone, BBC Sport highlights 11 defining moments in the history of the Lionesses. The official journey began in November 1972 when England faced Scotland at Ravenscraig Stadium, winning 3-2 in front of just 400 fans. The Lionesses continued to make history, with their first official home match resulting in an 8-0 victory over Scotland a year later. Their resilience was further showcased during the recent European Championship, where they triumphed in a nail-biting shootout against Italy, with Kelly scoring the decisive penalty to maintain their status as champions. As they step onto the pitch for this historic game, the Lionesses aim to solidify their legacy while aspiring for further glory in the future.

Source: BBC Sport - 2026-04-18