The journey of England's Lionesses is a story of resilience, triumph, and rewriting history. From a controversial ban to becoming back-to-back European champions, their path has been paved with landmark moments. This Saturday, as they face Iceland in Reykjavik, they'll mark a monumental milestone: the 500th official fixture for the senior women's team.

This isn't just another qualifier for the 2025 World Cup; it's a testament to a century-long fight for recognition. The story begins in 1921, when the Football Association infamously banned women's football, deeming it "most unsuitable for females." That decision pushed the women's game into the shadows for 50 long years before the ban was finally lifted in 1971.

The true dawn of the modern era came in November 1972. While an unofficial England side had played in Mexico the year before, this was the first official match for the newly formed Women's Football Association (WFA) team. Travelling to face Scotland at Ravenscraig Stadium, the Lionesses edged a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory in front of 400 fans. A year later, they announced their home arrival with a resounding 8-0 win in Nuneaton, signaling the start of something special.

Their first major tournament test arrived in 1984 at a precursor to the Women's Euros. After a strong semi-final win over Denmark, England faced Sweden in a two-legged final. Despite a narrow 1-0 loss in the first leg in Gothenburg, a goal from Linda Curl in the return fixture ignited hopes of a historic comeback, setting the stage for the competitive spirit that would define the team for decades to come.