Who are the Lionesses?
The Lionesses are the England women's national football team. They won the UEFA Women's European Championship in 2022 and again in 2025, and reached the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023.
The team is nicknamed the Lionesses after the three lions on the England badge.
Women's football was popular in England in the early 1900s, but the Football Association banned women from playing on its members' grounds in 1921. The ban lasted until 1971.
European champions
Under manager Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses won Euro 2022 on home soil, beating Germany 2-1 after extra time in the final at Wembley in front of a record crowd. Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal.
In 2023, they reached the Women's World Cup final in Australia but lost to Spain.
In 2025, they defended their European title in Switzerland, beating Spain on penalties in the final.
The Lionesses' success has boosted the popularity of women's football in England, with growing crowds and participation.
Their matches regularly attract large television audiences and sellout crowds.