Founding member of the England women’s team Margaret McGroarty is presented with her legacy cap

A founding member of the Lionesses was honoured in Australia on Saturday as Sarina Wiegman’s squad presented Margaret ‘Paddy’ McGroarty with her legacy cap.

McGroarty, who is affectionately known as ‘Paddy’, was part of the first ever England women’s team who made history when they participated in the inaugural full international fixture against Scotland in 1972.

Now living in Melbourne, McGroarty was unable to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the 1972 team last year.

Many of her fellow teammates received their bespoke caps as part of a special presentation at Wembley ahead of England’s fixture against the United States in October 2022.

But it was worth the wait, as McGroarty was invited to meet the team train at the Sunshine Coast Stadium and was finally presented with her cap by vice-captain Mary Earps.

Margaret ‘Paddy’ McGroarty was honoured win her legacy cap in a presentation with Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses

McGroarty (back, fourth from left) started England’s first international fixture, a 3-2 win over Scotland

The legacy caps have been bestowed upon all 227 players who have played for the Lionesses senior team.

‘Never in a million years could I recognise how the game has grown and what it is now,’ McGroarty said.

‘Today was a real honour and I’m thrilled to have visited. To receive the welcome I got from the players and staff means a huge amount.

‘I’ll be cheering them on and wish them the very best of luck for the tournament.’

McGroarty showed she still had it by doing some keepie-uppies in her flip flops before the presentation.

‘It was a privilege to meet Paddy today and we’re delighted she made the journey from Melbourne to see us,’ goalkeeper Earps said.

‘The team of 1972 play a special part in the history of the game. Whatever has been subsequently achieved would not have been possible without that group of women leading the way and breaking down barriers. We stand on their shoulders.

The former QPR star described being presented with the legacy cap as a ‘real honour’

‘Legacy number 6 means she’ll always be one of us. Once a Lioness, always a Lioness.’

Lucy Staniforth was also presented with her legacy cap. The Aston Villa midfielder is No 206, 200 after McGroarty and the pair posed together for a photo at the end of training.

Staniforth, one of the stand-by players, was the only member of the squad out in Australia who had not already received her cap.