To celebrate the kick off last Friday, we’re taking a look at who is waving that rainbow flag high this year
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGES BY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS AND INSTAGRAM (@BETHANYENGLAND4, @_JESSLCARTER, @RACHELDALY3)
Last Friday, sapphics across the country were glued to their seats as we watched the Lionesses take on Sweden in the Women’s European Qualifiers for Euro 2025. The reigning Euros champions put on a fantastic performance up against the formidable team, with the final score being 1-1.
As we gear up for what will be another exciting football extravaganza, here are the Lionesses waving the rainbow flag high this year.
Lauren Hemp
As one of the Lionesses’ youngest stars, superstar forward Lauren Hemp is providing some much-needed LGBTQIA visibility to the pitch. The Manchester City player has been a crucial member of the England squad. In true footie fashion, Lauren has been dating fellow forward Ellie Butler who plays for Coventry since 2022.
Jess Carter
Chelsea defender Jess Carter is a force of nature on the pitch. The superstar athlete was part of the squad who brought home the Euros victory back in 2022. Jess has always been open about being LGBTQIA, taking part in the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign back in 2021. Fans have fallen in love with her relationship with fellow Chelsea teammate Ann-Katrin Berger.
Bethany England
Tottenham Hotspur star Bethany England will be sporting the Lionesses kit once again. Bethany is another vocal advocate for LGBTQIA rights and visibility. She regularly posts cute couple content with her girlfriend Stephanie Williams who plays for Oxford United.
Rachel Daly
And last, but certainly not least, we have the iconic Rachel Daly. The Aston Villa star is known for her presence on the pitch, and during the 2022–23 Women’s Super League season she scored a whopping 22 goals. The forward is currently dating fellow Aston Villa teammate Sarah Mayling.
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