Tributes are being paid after the death of the trailblazing footballer Lynda Hale, who scored in England’s first official women’s international fixture.
Hale, who was also a seven-time winner of the Women’s FA Cup as part of the Southampton Women’s FC side that dominated the English game throughout the 1970s, started the Lionesses’ first formal game, against Scotland in November 1972.
Hale, who was 18 at the time, scored in the 3-2 victory and, by starting the game, was later allocated No 7 in the “legacy numbers” of every player to have represented the Lionesses. She went on to score three times in total across 10 caps at a time when women’s international fixtures were far less frequent than in the modern day.
Sarina Wiegman’s England team will wear black armbands in Hale’s honour during the Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in Turkey on Tuesday.
“Our first ever No 7 and a goalscorer in the first official match for England women, Lynda will always be remembered for the part she played in our football history,” the Football Association chair, Debbie Hewitt, said on the England Football website. “On behalf of everyone at the FA and all connected to the Lionesses, our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
The former England captain Carol Thomas said on social media: “This afternoon I was deeply saddened to be told of the passing of one of the original pioneering Lionesses, former England teammate and personal friend, Lynda Hale. I had the privilege and honour to play alongside and lead her out as we crossed the white line as Lionesses. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
Hale also featured in the inaugural Women’s FA Cup final – beating Stewarton Thistle 4-1 – in 1971, in the first of a run of nine consecutive Cup-final appearances. Southampton Women’s FC – an independent club unaffiliated to the WSL2 side – said they will honour Hale at their home game against Wycombe on Sunday.
The club’s chair, Aaron Smith, said: “This heartbreaking news has hit our club and community hard. Lynda was one of the pioneers of women’s football, a player and person that helped create what it is today. Representing our wonderful club and England, she has brought joy to the area.”
Hale was born in 1954 but her precise date of birth is not known. Her former club added: “From all at the club, we would like to pass on our condolences to Lynda’s family.”
