Melanie C (pka Sporty Spice) along with pop star Self Esteem and Wolf Alice bandleader Ellie Rowsell have recorded the official song for England’s Women’s World Cup team.
Paying homage to the British soccer stars – including Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone – who led the team to victory at the 2022 Euro final, the now 49-year old, former Spice Girl has teamed up with the 36-year old Mercury Prize-nominated star, and 31-year old ‘Smile’ rocker for the empowering anthem, ‘Call Me A Lioness.’
Co-written by rising star Olivia Dean, the song features 11 artists in total, who’ve named themselves Hope FC, as a nod to former female English footballer, Hope Powell, as the all-female troupe sings “A Russo back heel, and crowd was chanting, then Kelly dropped the mic, started dancing, Toone had the finish, we were in it to win it, and life would never be the same.”
About the project Melanie (born Melanie Jayne Chisholm) said “It’s been amazing to see the popularity of women’s football grow and their incredible win last year was a huge inspiration for this new song for the World Cup.” “I’m so privileged to be involved with a whole host of amazing female artists, cheering on our women’s team to bring it home again!”
Born Rebecca Lucy Taylor, Self Esteem commented: “The Lionesses are the future and I am so proud and excited to get behind them this summer.”
Co-writer Olivia added “When Glen rang me with the idea of writing a song for the Lionesses I said yes instantly.” “It felt important that they have their own anthem as they are creating their own legacy.” “We wanted to make a song that gives girls a soundtrack to their pride of the Lionesses and of being a woman, and to unite everyone in that pride.”
It was songwriter Glen Roberts who suggested the Lionesses get their own official anthem and it was Gabby Logan’s famous commentary at the 2022 Euros that provided inspiration 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.”
‘Call Me A Lioness’ also features Sports Team’s Al Greenwood, Marika Hackman, Rachel Chinouriri, Shura, Jasmine Jethwa, Rose Gray and Highlyy and the track has been released the day before the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in Australia on Thursday (7.20.)
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Sven Mandel