Spice Girl Melanie C, Pop Star Self Esteem, and Wolf Alice Vocalist Ellie Rowsell Team Up for England’s Women’s World Cup Anthem
Spice Girl Melanie C, pop star Self Esteem, and Wolf Alice vocalist Ellie Rowsell have joined forces to record a song for England's Women's World Cup team. Titled "Call Me A Lioness," the track pays homage to England players Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone, who scored the winning goals at the 2022 Euro final. Both players are back on the squad for the World Cup, which kicks off in Australia this week.
Melanie C expressed her excitement, stating she was "cheering on our women's team to bring it home again." She is joined on the song by Marika Hackman, Rachel Chinouriri, Shura, Jasmine Jethwa, Rose Gray, Highlyy, and Al Greenwood of the aptly-named band Sports Team.
A Celebration of Women in Football
The song was co-written by rising star Olivia Dean, who aimed to capture a sense of "togetherness." "We wanted to make a tune that gives women a soundtrack to their pride in the Lionesses and of being a woman, and to unite everyone in that pride," she said in a statement. "Whenever I hear 'Call Me A Lioness' I think of being in a beer garden singing it at the top of my lungs with my friends."
The track is being released as an "unofficial" anthem, following the Football Association's decision to stop commissioning music for England's international campaigns after the 2014 men's World Cup in Brazil. Proceeds from sales and streams will benefit charities supporting grassroots women's football, including Football Beyond Borders, Manchester Laces, Street Soccer London, and Girls United.
An Anthem for the Lionesses
"Call Me A Lioness" was the brainchild of songwriter Glen Roberts, who realized that England's triumph last summer was being soundtracked by the usual songs: from "Sweet Caroline" to "Three Lions." He contacted Olivia Dean and asked her to help create an anthem specifically for the women's team. The duo drew inspiration from Gabby Logan's commentary at Euro 2022, when she said, "The Lionesses have brought football home. Now it's down to the rest of us to make sure it stays here. You think it's all over? It's only just begun."
A Star-Studded Recording
With the track complete, they assembled an 11-person squad of their own to record the vocals. "It was pretty surreal to be surrounded by so many incredible musicians singing a song about women's football," said Hackman. "I definitely wouldn't have imagined that for myself when I was a kid!"
"I love the song so much. The Lionesses are the future and I am so proud and excited to get behind them this summer," added Self Esteem, the stage name of singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor. "Recording it was very fun. Can’t believe I’m on a tune celebrating women's football!"
As England seeks to add the World Cup to the European Championship title they won last summer, "Call Me A Lioness" aims to be the soundtrack of their journey, inspiring pride and unity among fans and players alike.
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