40 years on from the Lionesses' Mundialito triumph

25 August 1985. A day to remember for the Lionesses – the day they were crowned Mundialito champions, four decades ago.

The Mundialito, also known as the ‘little World Cup’ as per its Spanish translation, was a global invitational tournament introduced in 1981. And the Lionesses would go on to lift the trophy twice, first in 1985 and again, three years later in 1988.

But in 1985, England kicked off the four-team tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Denmark in Caorle before drawing 1-1 with Italy the following day at the Jesolo Stadium, with Kerry Davis – the first Black woman to play for the Lionesses – making the scoresheet.

“The time off we got, was definitely about reaffirming and forging new friendships, team spirit and that collective will to win,” remembered then-Lionesses captain Carol Thomas.

“Our time off was spent relaxing around the pool, taking a stroll along and enjoying the promenade or enjoying coffees and snacks in the local cafes, and chatting to locals where and when we could, although time off was minimal.”

Fast forward two days and a 3-1 victory over the USA back in Caorle saw England book their place in the final, where hosts Italy awaited.

“I know I was quietly confident because of the players and talent around me, and we had the right mind set to turn the previous year’s misery into total ecstasy,” Thomas continued. “In short, we were determined to win, and nothing would stop us.”

After losing out to Sweden in a two-legged final of the first-ever edition of the Women’s EUROs the previous summer – eventually beaten on penalties in the second leg at Kenilworth Road in Luton – Thomas and her team-mates were determined.

“As I lined up before the final's kick off, listening to the national anthems, I suddenly realised that this was the 50th time I had captained England – in my 55th international,” explained Thomas. “It seemed like the stars were lining up for me, for the Lionesses, for English women's football.

“The game itself was an early kick off, so the match was played in very hot conditions, with a hard pitch.

“The 3-2 result reflected the strengths of both sides, the Italians were strong and played some great football, but we had developed a winning mentality by this time, and we just edged it, I think deservedly.”

The Lionesses ran out 3-2 winners, courtesy of goals from Marieanne Spacey and Brenda Sempare.

“As always in such a prestigious match, the final whistle is a mixture of emotions, a moment of disbelief, a wave of total elation and the mandatory tears of joy,” Thomas recalled.

“And let us not forget that enormous trophy that weighed a ton after a sweaty 90 minutes of football!”