Standing tall at over 4 metres high, the bronze statue of footballing legend and reigning Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott has been unveiled today, with the much-decorated defender being joined by the Mayor of Gateshead and players from Gateshead College and Boldon Girls, Jill’s former teams, to mark the momentous occasion.

With over 160 England caps and 27 goals, the Tyneside legend’s statue celebrates the latest adventure in her glittering career, as captain of the blue team, on series 18 of flagship Sky Max show A League of Their Own. In the brand-new series Jill will go up against rival captain Jamie Redknapp, hosted by Romesh Ranganathan.

Arms outstretched reliving that unforgettable moment she celebrated the 2-1 victory against Germany at Wembley, the Lioness, who started her playing career at Sunderland, has been erected on the football pitch adjacent to the Angel of the North, as anticipation for the World Cup reaches fever pitch.

Measuring the height of two Football Association goal posts and weighing in at 500kg, equivalent to three lionesses, the lifelike statue adorns the former home of Gateshead FC, a club and community close to Jill’s heart after starting her footballing journey with Gateshead College Footballing Academy in 2003.

The statue celebrating the much-decorated defender will stand side-by-side with the Angel Of The North from 4th July through to 9th July before starting its southerly pilgrimage, dribbling its way to its final position, resting pride of place in opposing team captain Jamie Redknapp’s back garden.

At the foot of the statue for its grand unveiling, Jill Scott, comments: “It’s not everyday you get to unveil a giant statue of yourself. It’s massive and incredibly lifelike. I could have done with those few extra feet back in my playing days! But the crowning glory for me? It’s got to be seeing Rom and Jamie’s faces when this lands on their doorstep in London – the banter has already started and I know I will get a lot of stick when I kick off my tenure as a team captain”.

Romesh Ranganathan, host of hit show A League Of Their Own, comments: “It’s brilliant to be able to welcome Jill Scott, a legend of the game and national treasure, to the A League of Their Own family as a new team captain. And with her own statue almost as bronze as Jamie Redknapp.”