Mel C teams up with Wolf Alice and more for Lionesses World Cup song

Virgin Radio

19 Jul 2023, 07:22

Melanie C is part of a team of British artists who have recorded a song for England's Women's World Cup campaign.

With the tournament set to kick off in Australia and New Zealand tomorrow (Thursday 20th July), the iconic Spice Girl has joined forces with a bunch of other UK musicians to create Call Me A Lioness.

The song makes reference to England’s Chloe Kelly and Ella Toone, who hit goals as the team beat Germany 2-1 after extra time in the thrilling final of the 2022 Euros at Wembley. Both players are set to appear at the World Cup as The Lionesses open their campaign on Saturday (22nd July) against Haiti, before taking on China and Denmark in the group stages.

Acclaimed act Self Esteem - otherwise known as massive Sheffield Wednesday fan Rebecca Lucy Taylor -  also features on the track, as does Wolf Alice singer Ellie Rowsell.

Also on the track is Manchester United fan Al Greenwood, who plays drums for Mercury Music Prize-nominated Sports Team, who popped in to Virgin Radio to play an amazing live session last year.

The team also features Marika Hackman, Rachel Chinouriri, Shura, Jasmine Jethwa, Rose Gray, and Highlyy. 

Call Me A Lioness was co-written by Glen Roberts and Olivia Dean. The latter said in a statement: "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." 

She added: “Whenever I hear Call Me A Lioness I think about being in a beer garden singing it at the top of my lungs with my friends."

The record lands today, 19th July, with the collective being called Hope FC - a reference to former England boss Hope Powell. Because the Football Association doesn’t commission official songs anymore, Call Me A Lioness is being released as an "unofficial" anthem, with proceeds going to charities that support grassroots girls and women's football.

Self Esteem said: “The Lionesses are the future and I am so proud and excited to get behind them this summer.”

She added: “Can't believe I'm on a song with Melanie C.”

Call Me A Lioness is out today, 19th July. You can listen to it below: