England welcome trailblazing Lioness as World Cup preparations ramp up
With the start of the Women's World Cup just days away, Sarina Wiegman's England squad welcomed Margaret ‘Paddy’ McGroarty to team training.
McGroarty, part of the first ever England women’s team, was invited to the Lionesses' training base on the Sunshine Coast to receive her legacy number and unique legacy cap. McGroaty made history as part of the side that featured in England's inaugural full international fixture against Scotland in 1972.
The Lioness was capped six times, scoring two goals. Paddy, as she’s affectionately known, now lives in Melbourne, Australia and was unable to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1972 team last year.
Many of her fellow teammates received their bespoke caps as part of a special presentation at Wembley Stadium ahead of England’s fixture against the United States in October 2022. McGroarty was invited to meet the team at the Sunshine Coast Stadium today on Saturday.
After training, the players and staff gathered, with goalkeeper Mary Earps leading the presentation of her unique legacy number and cap. This is an honour bestowed to all 227 players who have played for the senior team.
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McGroarty was then invited to present midfielder Lucy Staniforth with her legacy cap, as the only member of the travelling player group who had yet to receive the accolade.
England’s Mary Earps said: "It was a privilege to meet Paddy today and we're delighted she made the journey from Melbourne to see us. The team of 1972 play a special part in the history of the game.
The Lionesses presented McGroarty with her legacy cap"Whatever has been subsequently achieved would not have been possible without that group of women leading the way and breaking down barriers. We stand on their shoulders. Legacy number 6 means she'll always be one of us. Once a Lioness, always a Lioness."
McGroarty said: “Never in a million years could I recognise how the game has grown and what it is now. Today was a real honour and I’m thrilled to have visited. To receive the welcome I got from the players and staff means a huge amount. I’ll be cheering them on and wish them the very best of luck for the tournament.”
Kay Cossington, "Women’s Technical Director at The FA, added: “Every former player has played their part in the team’s journey and the introduction of legacy numbers is a permanent reminder of their impact and the history of the England Senior Women’s team.
"Paddy is a valued member of the ‘England family’ and we hope she can reflect with pride on being part of a small group of women who have transformed football and made an everlasting impact on society. Her legacy number 6 is unique to her and a symbol of her legacy in growing the game.
“We thank Paddy and everyone who has worn the shirt since 1972 and epitomised what it means to be a Lioness.”
England will travel to Brisbane on Monday (July 17) ahead of their first game in the tournament against Group D opponents Haiti on July 22. They also face Denmark (July 28, Sydney) and China PR (August 1, Adelaide).
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