Welcome to the issue

I have a confession: I’ve never liked football. ...

MARY EARPS

As the Lionesses prepare to defend their title at the Euros, Radio Times tracked down the real trailblazers of the women’s game, who made their success on the pitch possible. From hosing down in cattle markets to forking out a fortune to play, they reveal the obstacles they overcame for the game they love

They’re some of the formidable faces of the England Women’s football team, but once upon a time they were just little girls with big dreams of sporting success. The England Women’s manager, Sarina Wie

We need to encourage more young girls to get into team sports, says Stephanie Hilborne

Obsessive, independent and agelessly energetic – England’s most decorated female footballer has made net gains from not fitting the mould. As the Lionesses enter Euro 2025 as defending champions, Lucy Bronze talks about her team’s chances, life after her ADHD and autism diagnoses and why she doesn’t fear her career’s final whistle