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

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

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

A decade on from the launch of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, more women than ever are enjoying the mind-body benefits that playing sport nets you. Whether you want to finesse your forehand or bolster your ball-skills, read on to join them

Morag Pearce (nee Kirkland), 67, from Southampton, lives with husband Gordon. They have two daughters and five grandchildren. Morag Pearce was 10 when she started kicking a football. Five years later

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