Mel C, Self Esteem, and 9 Others Record Lionesses Song for the Women’s World Cup

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup has kicked off in Australia and New Zealand, and, as the country gets behind the England Lionesses, the team finally has a song to call their own: "Call Me a Lioness".

The men's England football team has long had its own songs and chants to spur on the players. Most notably, the 1996 track "Three Lions (Football's Coming Home)" by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds – which was released ahead of the UEFA European Championship of the same year, which England was hosting – has had a special place in football fan's hearts.

And now, women's football is deservedly getting the same musical treatment. Featuring 11 British artists, including Mel C and Self Esteem, the group has come together in support of the Lionesses under the name Hope FC to record the unofficial track.

Following the Lionesses landmark win in the 2022 Euros, songwriter Glen Roberts drew inspiration from the memorable moment in women's football, and co-wrote the track with producer Joel Pott and singer-songwriter Olivia Dean. Keep reading to find out more about the track.

Which Artists are Featured on "Call Me a Lioness"?

If there was any artist to take part in a women's football song, there's no better person that the Spice Girl's Mel C. The original Sporty Spice flew the flag for female footie fans back in the '90s with her England and Liverpool shirts and ball skills often taking centre stage, so it makes perfect sense that she's at the helm of the new unofficial track. She's joined by Self Esteem, known for her powerful vocals and performances, as well as Wolf Alice's Ellie Rowsell, singer-songwriter Shura, Marika Hackman, Rachel Chinouriri, Jasmine Jethwa, Rose Gray, Highlyy, and Al Greenwood from Sports Team. Collectively, the track is released under the name Hope FC in a reference to the former manager, player, and coach of the national team, Hope Powell.

What do the proceeds from "Call Me a Lioness" Go to?

Funds from online streams and sales of the track are set to be gifted to charities which support grassroots football for women and girls. Some of the organisations which will receive donations include Football Beyond Borders, Manchester Laces, Street Soccer London, and Girls United.

Have the Lionesses Spoken about "Call Me a Lioness"?

Although the track's lyrics makes a subtle reference to England's Women's World Cup 2023 team, including Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone – who scored in the team's 2-1 win against Germany in the 2022 Euros – the Lionesses members are yet to comment on the track.