Why TfL named Lioness Overground line after England team

The Lioness line, which will be shown by yellow parallel lines on TfL maps, will transport passengers between Euston and Watford Junction.

It is one of six separate routes created as TfL gives individual services their own names and colours to make the network easier to navigate.

Here we take a look at why transport bosses decided to give the route the name of Lioness.

• READ MORE - 'Iconic' bus service rerouted to new station

There are now six named routes on the London Overground (Image: PA/TfL)

'A lasting legacy' 

The Lioness line will run through Wembley Park, the closest station to one of the most important football stadiums in the country.

It has been named after the historic victory of the England women’s football team at the 2022 Euro championships.

The team beat Germany 2-1 at Wembley Stadium in a nail-biting final that went to extra time.

Wembley, with a history dating back over a century, has been the site of numerous spectacular sporting events, including the 1948 summer Olympics and England men’s World Cup win in 1966.

But transport bosses said they ultimately chose to commemorate the Lionesses’ 2022 victory due to the “lasting legacy” they have created.

Mark Bullingham, chief executive officer for The Football Association, said the group was “so pleased” that the team’s historic achievements had been recognised.

He added: "The line honours the incredible victory in the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 final at Wembley Stadium connected by EE, and the lasting legacy this team is creating in inspiring the next generation.”

The Lionesses do not currently have a scheduled upcoming fixture at the stadium, but football fans can ride the renamed line to watch the men play Brazil next month.

It won’t be long though before the women’s team is back in action elsewhere, as they are scheduled to take on Austria in Algeciras, Spain, next week (February 23).