London City Lionesses have secured the long-term future of England defender Poppy Pattinson, with the full-back signing a contract extension that runs until summer 2029.
The 26-year-old made her senior England debut in March 2026, earning her first call-up during qualification matches for the 2027 Women's World Cup against Ukraine and Iceland — a milestone she credits firmly to her time at London City Lionesses.
"I'll always be grateful and never forget that debut came while I was at this club," Pattinson said. "I'm really pleased to sign a new contract here. As a player you want to feel you are at a club where you can still learn and grow. I think I have a lot left in me to do just that."
Injury setback and international breakthrough
The path to that senior cap was not entirely smooth. Pattinson missed a significant portion of last season through injury before returning to form and forcing her way into the England reckoning.
"Last season was a bit of a rollercoaster on a personal level," she admitted. "It started off with an injury which was a new challenge. I came back and then earned an international call-up off the back of that."
It speaks well of her resilience that she managed to turn a disrupted campaign into an international breakthrough. Prior to her arrival at London City Lionesses, Pattinson had built her career across several Women's Super League clubs, representing Manchester City, Everton and Brighton along the way. She has also progressed through the England age-group ranks at Under-17, Under-19, Under-21 and Under-23 level.
Ambition at London City Lionesses
For a player of Pattinson's experience and international pedigree, committing to London City Lionesses for a further four years carries weight. It is a signal that the club's project carries genuine credibility in the women's game.
"I think the squad has huge potential and I'm excited to be a part of that," Pattinson said — words that will resonate with supporters keen to see the club push further up the WSL standings.
Securing a player who has demonstrated quality at the highest domestic level, and who now holds senior international experience, represents a statement of intent. With the 2027 Women's World Cup on the horizon, Pattinson will be eager to cement her place in the England set-up, and consistent club football is the best possible platform to do exactly that.
For London City Lionesses, holding onto a player who might attract interest from bigger WSL outfits is no small achievement. If the squad can stay fit and build on its potential, Pattinson's decision to stay could prove one of the smarter pieces of business in the women's game this summer.
Frequently asked
- How long has Poppy Pattinson signed for at London City Lionesses?
- Poppy Pattinson has signed a contract extension with London City Lionesses that keeps her at the club until the summer of 2029.
- Which clubs has Poppy Pattinson played for before London City Lionesses?
- Before joining London City Lionesses, Pattinson played for three WSL clubs: Manchester City, Everton and Brighton.
- Has Poppy Pattinson played for England?
- Yes. Pattinson made her senior England debut in March 2026, featuring in Women's World Cup qualification matches against Ukraine and Iceland. She had previously represented England at Under-17, Under-19, Under-21 and Under-23 level.