WHILE England's Women's World Cup squad have been enjoying success in Canada they should spare a thought for one inspirational footballer who helped pave their way.

The Lionesses hae been riding high in the tournament and are set to take on reigning champions Japan on Thursday.

But an ocean away, back in Manchester, the National Football Museum is remembering pioneering Sheila Parker, who was one of the country's first players.

Sheila, of Buchanan Street, Chorley, made history in 1972 when she was selected to captain the WFA’s first England team a year after a ban was lifted on women playing on FA-affiliated pitches.

The 67-year-old, who played for Preston North End Ladies, Chorley Ladies and Dick, Kerr Ladies, (corr) has handed memorabilia to the institution, just two years after being inducted into the museum's Hall of Fame.

Sheila said: “There is a shirt, my scarf, a picture of me and my son, my first three England caps and hopefully a shield with another 30 caps on.

“People can see it now and see what it was like so many years ago.”

A spokesman for the museum said: "For 30 years Sheila Parker was a major force in women’s football.

"She made her debut for Preston (Dick, Kerr) Ladies aged just 13 and went on to win a host of trophies with six different clubs.

"In 1974 she captained a Fodens side that won the WFA Cup and in the 1975 she scored a remarkable 51 goals in just 14 games for Preston North End Ladies.

"Her greatest achievement was to be selected as England captain for the first Women’s Football Association international in 1972, against Scotland.

"Only a few months earlier the FA had finally lifted its 50-year ban on women’s football.

"She went on to play another 32 times for her country.

"After retiring as a player in 1990, she continued to serve the game as a referee."

This year another woman, Faye White, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Stuart Pearce, Gary Neville, Norman Hunter, Paul McGrath, Alan Mullery and John Barnes.

Ivor Allchurch and Bob Crompton will also be honoured, as well as former England Cerebral Palsy captain Gary Davies, at the exclusive ceremony on October 14.

The display runs until the end of August.