Mel C, Self Esteem, and others have joined forces to create a song honouring the England Women’s World Cup team. Give ‘Call Me A Lioness’ a spin via the Spotify link below.
Debuted today (July 19), the song applauds their triumph at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and voices support for them as they prepare for the World Cup, commencing in Australia this week. The lyrics also pay homage to Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone, who netted the decisive goals in the previous year’s Euro Final.
This song is an “unofficial” anthem for the England squad since the Football Association discontinued commissioning music for England’s international campaigns post the 2014 men’s World Cup in Brazil.
‘Call Me A Lioness’ is the brainchild of Glen Roberts and London-based singer Olivia Dean and includes performances from an 11-person team of Self Esteem, Ellie Rowsell from Wolf Alice, Shura, and former Spice Girl Mel C.
READ MORE: Lionesses’ success shows there is another way to celebrate football
Other artists lending their voices to the track are Marika Hackman, Rachel Chinouriri, Jasmine Jethwa, Rose Gray, Highlyy, and Al Greenwood from Sports Team. The song is launched under the moniker Hope FC — a homage to the past manager, player, and coach of the national team, Hope Powell.
“Our intention was to create a song that provides girls with a musical expression of their pride in the Lionesses and in being a woman, and to bring everyone together in that pride,” Dean stated about the track. “Each time I listen to ‘Call Me A Lioness’, it reminds me of singing it passionately with my friends in a beer garden.”
Mel C chipped in: “Witnessing the surge in popularity of women’s football and their extraordinary win last year served as a massive inspiration for this new World Cup song. I’m extraordinarily privileged to join a group of incredible female artists, cheering on our women’s team to bring it home once more!”
Funds collected from sales and streams will be gifted to charities that advocate for grassroots girls and women’s football. The included non-profit organizations are Football Beyond Borders, Manchester Laces, Street Soccer London, and Girls United.
Shura, Mel C, Marika Hackman, Jasmine Jethwa, Olivia Dean recording ‘Call Me A Lioness’. CREDIT: Press
Rebecca Lucy Taylor – more commonly known by her stage name Self Esteem – also expressed her feelings about featuring on the song, noting: “I absolutely adore the song! The Lionesses represent the future and I’m tremendously proud and thrilled to support them this summer.”
For Mel C, ‘Call Me A Lioness’ signifies her third involvement in an England football anthem, after 1998’s ‘(How Does It Feel To Be) On Top Of The World’ and a 2014 rendition of the Take That success’ Greatest Day’.
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In the wake of their win last year, numerous figures from the entertainment industry rallied to voice their support for the England team, including members of Blur, The Rolling Stones, Kasabian, and others.
“England clinched the Euros! Kudos to the Lionesses! You’ve filled us all with immense pride. What an astounding outcome! Forever grateful,” tweeted Ronnie Wood, while Dave Rowntree said, “Fantastic! Simply fantastic!”
YouTuber and rapper KSI also took to social media to laud the victory, sharing: “I’m ecstatic at the moment. This is momentous for all of us. What a win! It ultimately came home.” Kasabian said, “Can’t believe it, history has been written! A hearty congratulations to all the Lionesses When you hit a hurdle, you bounce back.”
