It wasn't until 2019 that the Lionesses got a kit of their own, and before 2015, they were playing in kits designed for men, sometimes even having to play in hand-me-downs from the men's team. The effect of not having their own shirt has been felt for generations, think of all the last-minute winners, memorable celebrations and era-defining achievements that happened with no kit to tie them to. This is the shirt we should’ve had, and now we can wear it with pride.
This shirt has been designed by Hattie Crowther, a leading fashion designer in women’s football. Hattie has delved into what it means for a shirt to be an England shirt, creating a bespoke, unique, piece that the women’s team could have, and should have, worn. The badge that we all know has been left empty, a purposeful design choice to show the lack of representation from the past. Interwoven into the shoulders, she has honoured the generations of talent who played without a kit. You can choose which player you would like on the back of your shirt, in the font from their generation, and the number showcasing what year they should have worn it.
In 2015, ex-Lioness Claire Rafferty competed at the Women's World Cup in Canada. However, even on the world stage, she was handed a men's shirt to wear on her back. Claire’s story is one of many, from generations of players who were robbed of the opportunity to build nostalgia around a kit of their own. This is why Claire, Foudys and pioneers within the women’s game are coming together to create The Missing Shirt.
KELLY SMITH
WORLD CUP BOOT KISS 2007
In 2007, England qualified for the World Cup for the first time in a decade. In the second group game, Kelly Smith scored a brace, keeping England in the running to progress out of the group stages.
To celebrate, Smith removed her boot, held it up and kissed it - an iconic moment showcasing her individual brilliance on the world stage.
LUCY BRONZE
WORLD CUP WORLDIES 2015
During the 2015 World Cup knockout stage, Lucy Bronze scored a screamer against Norway to take England through to the quarter-finals.
The Lionesses faced host nation Canada in the quarter-finals and would make history if they were to reach the semis. Bronze delivered with a 14th-minute header cushioning the underside of the bar, securing the win for her team again.
KAREN CARNEY
LAST MINUTE WINNER 2005
There’s no better feeling than scoring a winner with the last touch of the ball.
In the 2005 European Championship, Karen Carney delivered exactly that, poaching a rebound off the keeper in the last seconds and grabbing England 3 points in front of 30,000 fans in the Etihad Stadium.
Not to mention, she was only 17.
POWELL GAVE US HOPE
LEGEND
Hope Powell’s impact on England’s 2009 UEFA Women’s Euro was pivotal in their historic run to the final. As manager, she developed a competitive team, leading England to their first European Championship final since 1984 — the best result since the creation of the Women’s Euros. Although they lost 6-2 to Germany, Powell’s leadership laid the foundation for future success.
Powell is considered the most influential figure in women’s football, being the first woman to manage the England team. She broke barriers, professionalised the sport, and inspired generations of players and coaches, paving the way for future successes like the Euros in 2022.
RACHEL YANKEY
LEGEND: MOST EUROS APPEARANCES
Rachel Yankey is England's record-holder for most Women's Euros appearances, playing in five tournaments from 1997 to 2013. Known for her outstanding crossing and playmaking, she was a key figure in England's success during these competitions, becoming one of the most influential players in women's football.
FARA WILLIAMS
LEGEND: MOST CAPS
Fara Williams is widely regarded as one of the most important players in the history of England's women’s football team. With a record 172 caps, she is the most-capped player in Lionesses history. Over her impressive career, Williams was a key figure in midfield, known for her leadership, passing, and ability to control the game. Her contributions to the team have cemented her legacy as one of England's all-time greats.
All proceeds from The Missing Shirt will go towards funding grassroots women’s football, enabling and inspiring future generations of female talent by ensuring that they have the resources and representation that their icons didn’t.