Lynda Hale: 1954-2026

Lynda Hale, who played and scored in the first-ever official England women’s fixture, has sadly passed away.

At just 18 years of age, Hale started the historic game against Scotland at Ravenscraig Park in November 1972 and went on to make the scoresheet in a 3-2 victory for the Lionesses in Greenock.

She scored three goals in ten appearances for her country, playing her final game against Switzerland – a 9-1 home victory in Hull.

FA Chair Debbie Hewitt MBE said: “I am so deeply saddened to learn of Lynda Hale’s passing. Whenever we talk about the success of our Lionesses in recent years, it is always with rightful recognition of those special players who paved the way.

"Our first ever number 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. On behalf of everyone at The FA and all connected to the Lionesses, our thoughts are with her family and friends."

At club level, she represented her hometown team, Southampton, with whom she won the Women’s FA Cup a remarkable seven times.

Alongside a number of her soon-to-be England teammates, she featured in the first-ever Women’s FA Cup Final in 1971, as Southampton were crowned the competition’s inaugural winners, beating Stewarton Thistle 4-1.

In November 2022, she was recognised as the seventh player to represent the Lionesses when The FA allocated legacy numbers.

Last year, Hale was in attendance as the Lionesses were named as the Women of the Year, with a number of former England internationals spanning different generations receiving the accolade.

The England team will wear black armbands in Lynda’s honour at Tuesday evening’s FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ukraine in Antalya, Türkiye. The FA will also work with her family to pay tribute to her historic contribution to women’s football at a forthcoming Lionesses’ home game.

Lynda will forever be remembered and celebrated as a trailblazer.