Former England ace Lianne Sanderson lashes out at the FA over a mistake in inviting them to the Lionesses celebration

LIANNE SANDERSON has slammed the FA after failing to receive an invitation to a former Lionesses celebration during the national team’s clash with USA

The ex-England striker was dismayed after her name was misspelled in a match program about English stars in US women’s football.

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The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea ace, a football pundit, said in a post published on her Twitter page “the pain was real”.

In her candid tweet, the former England striker urged the FA to ensure former players are not forgotten for England.

Sanderson, 34, who has 50 international caps, said: “At this point I can’t say I’m surprised.

“All I can say is that I am sick and tired of the pain that systematic abuse has caused me over the years.

“You have forgotten me before and many times before and last night was just another example.

“All the former Lionesses were invited to Wembley last night and were given many memories of their time playing for England, which I am particularly pleased about having raised the issue in the Houses of Parliament four years ago.

“When asked what the FA can do? My response was don’t make former players feel forgotten and I wasn’t talking about myself.

“A lot of former players feel like they played for England.

“See, everyone but me was invited. That makes sense.

“I retired because a sport I loved so much didn’t show me love in return. These are some of the reasons.

“Then to misspell my name in the program and on the big screen, they forgot my 50th hat.

“So at least allow me some moments to be proud of.

“I’ve built a career in the media myself, no handouts or help from anyone after being ostracized for speaking the truth, and I will continue to do so.”

Following Sanderson’s tweet, the FA released a statement apologizing to the former lioness.

A spokesman said: “We are sorry. We invited Lianne along with more than 200 former players to last night’s celebration, but she didn’t receive it.

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“We have contacted their representatives to explain this.

“We also apologize that your name was misspelled in the program.

“With 50 caps, Lianne is a great English figure and deserves full credit for the services she has brought to the national team.”