Three Lionesses from England’s all conquering 2022 European Championship-winning squad will be the official starters of the 2022 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 2 October.

Captain Leah Williamson will be joined by England’s record goal scorer Ellen White and Jill Scott, the second most capped player in English football history, who also holds a place in the London Marathon record books.

Williamson said: “It is a fantastic honour for the Lionesses to be asked to be the official starters for the 2022 TCS London Marathon. We had a once-in-a lifetime experience winning the Euros this summer with incredible support and I’m sure everyone taking part in this year’s TCS London Marathon will also have a day they will never forget.”

Before her decorated professional football career, Scott was a talented runner and won the under-15 girls race in the 2001 Mini London Marathon, an event that has also been won by the likes of Sir Mo Farah and David Weir.

For the first time in the event’s history, this year’s TCS Mini London Marathon will be held on Saturday 1 October, the day before the TCS London Marathon, as part of a landmark move to get more children to take part and to inspire activity.

Scott said: “This will bring back some special memories for me too. I won the Mini Marathon back in 2001 before I decided to focus on my football and crossing the line first on The Mall was an amazing feeling. Part of the joy of our success this summer was hearing how it inspired young people to get out and play football or any sport and the Mini London Marathon has exactly the same power.”

England won the 2022 European Championship by beating Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. It was the first time since 1966 that an England football team had won a major championship.

Following the win, Scott officially announced her retirement from professional football after an 18-year career that saw her win 161 England caps, scoring 27 goals. White also retired at the same time, leaving the game as the England women’s team all-time record goalscorer with 52 goals. She played in three World Cups and represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games.

Captain Williamson has won 37 international caps and has also represented Great Britain at the 2020 Olympic Games. She is also the captain of Arsenal FC.

Williamson, White and Scott will be the official starters of the wheelchair races, the elite women’s race and the elite men and masses at the 2022 TCS London Marathon on Sunday 2 October.

Previous starters include Her Majesty The Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with Prince Harry, Sir Andy Murray, Sir Steve Redgrave and double Olympic champions Helen Glover and Heather Stanning.