In November 1972 she captained the England women's national football team in their first official match, a 3–2 win over Scotland in Greenock.
[6] When the Women's Football Association (WFA) tasked Eric Worthington with constructing the first official England national team in 1972, he selected Parker as his captain after a series of trials.
Parker, a centre half, retained the captaincy until 1976, when she was left out of the squad for a Home Nations tournament against Wales and Scotland.
[7] England manager Martin Reagan selected veteran Parker in his squad for the 1984 European Competition for Women's Football final against Sweden.
A "Where Greatness is Made" plaque was installed at Chorley F.C.,[4] and Parker was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours for services to women's football and charity.