“there is a glimmer of hope that the darkness is lifting”

As the Dragons of Wales prepare to face England’s Lionesses, ex-players Helen Ward and Fara Williams give their verdict on how things are heating up

The pressure of success may weigh on a wounded England, but debutantes Wales can play without fear, says Simon Barnes

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

LIVE EXCLUSIVE

SEEMA JASWAL and LAURA WOODS share their predictions as Wales and England get match-ready

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