The England women's national football team represents England in international women's association football. Since 1993 the team has been governed by the Football Association (FA), having been previously controlled by the Women's Football Association (WFA) from 1972 until 1993. England played its first international match in November 1972 against Scotland. Although most national football teams represent a sovereign state, England is one of the United Kingdom's Home Nations, meaning that it is permitted by FIFA statutes to maintain its own national side that competes in all major tournaments, with the exception of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament.
England has qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup three times, reaching the quarter final stage on each occasion in 1995, 2007 and 2011. They reached the final of the UEFA Women's Championship in 1984 and 2009. In May 2009 central contracts were implemented, to help players focus on full time training and playing, without having to fit it around full time employment. Initially 17 players signed contracts.
England has qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup three times, reaching the quarter final stage on each occasion in 1995, 2007 and 2011. They reached the final of the UEFA Women's Championship in 1984 and 2009. In May 2009 central contracts were implemented, to help players focus on full time training and playing, without having to fit it around full time employment. Initially 17 players signed contracts.
Hope Powell became the team's first full time head coach in July 1998, succeeding Ted Copeland. As of February 2012, England is ranked No. 8 in the FIFA Women's World Rankings.
