England and Aston Villa ahead Rachel Daly has retired from worldwide soccer.
The 32-year-old, who has 84 caps, was a part of the England aspect that gained Euro 2022.
She got here on as a late substitute in Tuesday’s 2-0 Euro 2025 qualifying win over the Republic of Eire.
“I’d love nothing extra to play for England for ever however the time has come for me to hold my boots up on the worldwide stage,” Daly stated.
“Whereas at this time is an especially troublesome day for me, it is also one stuffed with reflection and immense gratitude. Enjoying for and representing England has been a privilege.”
Daly made her England debut in opposition to Serbia in 2016, scoring the primary of her 16 objectives.
She began all their video games at Euro 2022 as they gained their first main trophy.
England supervisor Sarina Wiegman stated: “I’ve by no means labored with a participant so versatile, all the time with a smile on her face, bringing power and making an attempt to do her greatest for the group.
“Rachel has been an unimaginable a part of our story and the historical past we have made collectively. It has been a privilege to work together with her.”
Daly, who has performed as a full-back and striker for England, began final summer season’s World Cup ultimate, which Spain gained 1-0.
“It has been the best honour to characterize my household, my team-mates and the whole nation,” she stated.
“I’ve a variety of unimaginable reminiscences throughout my time with England which have been pivotal moments.
“Successful the Euros after which reaching the World Cup ultimate modified loads for me, not solely as a footballer however as an individual.
“I am so lucky that I have been in a position to share that with so many outstanding folks all through my journey.”
Daly stated she would proceed to be “England’s primary fan”, however stated it was time “to cross on that baton” to the subsequent technology of gamers.
England captain Leah Williamson stated: “There usually are not sufficient phrases to do you justice as a participant however most significantly as a human being. So blissful I received to play with you one final time.”
England defender Lucy Bronze stated: “You’ve got deserved each single minute of carrying that England shirt.”
Soccer Affiliation girls’s technical director Kay Cossington stated: “It’s actually laborious to place Rachel’s contribution to the Lionesses into phrases.
“She is an exceptional particular person who has been an enormous asset to the England group, on and off the pitch.”
Evaluation
Emma Sanders, BBC Sport
Daly has had a vastly profitable England profession with out actually enjoying a starring function.
Her versatility – being employed as a defender for many of her worldwide profession regardless of enjoying membership soccer as a striker – has been each an immense asset for England and one thing that has maybe held her again personally.
Daly was final season’s PFA Gamers’ Participant of the Yr and the Golden Boot winner within the Girls’s Tremendous League however is clearly down within the pecking order for England, behind Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp within the quantity 9 place.
Her elevated need to play as a striker, versus the full-back function she has so typically crammed in for, has maybe led to a shock worldwide retirement.
On this month’s Euro 2025 qualifiers, Daly was an unused substitute in a 1-1 draw with Sweden, earlier than approaching within the 86th minute in opposition to the Republic of Eire.
It’s believed she instructed her England team-mates about her choice to retire following Tuesday’s victory, having spoken to Wiegman in the course of the camp to gauge the supervisor’s plans for the longer term.
However, regardless of fewer minutes of late, Daly has constantly confirmed to be a key participant for England at main tournaments.
She will probably be missed, however England have expertise bursting by the present squad and Daly can now concentrate on membership soccer, the place she stays a vital participant for Villa.
