England Women’s star RETIRES from international football at 32 after 84 caps for the Lionesses

ENGLAND star Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international football.

Daly, 32, made her final appearance for the Lionesses during Tuesday’s Euro 2025 qualifier against Ireland.

She was introduced as a substitute to replace Alessia Russo in the 86th minute of the match.

Daly announced her decision to step down from the national team with a heartfelt statement on Wednesday morning.

It read: “I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage.

“While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it is also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been the greatest honour.

“During my eight years as a Lioness, I’ve always pursued success and winning football matches, while playing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance.

“It has been the greatest honour to represent my family, my teammates and the entire country. I have a lot of incredible memories during my time with England that have been pivotal moments.

“Winning the Euros and then reaching the World Cup Final changed a lot for me, not only as a footballer but as a person. I’m so fortunate that I’ve been able to share that with so many remarkable people throughout my journey.

“I have made special friendships that will last a lifetime. I will be eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to wear the England badge with immense pride over the past eight years.

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“I am very fortunate to have played a small part in making history with the Lionesses and I feel now is the right time to pass on that baton to the next generation and be England’s number one fan from the stands!

“I am excited to keep working hard at club level to reach new highs and spend some much needed quality time with my loved ones! Thank you.”

Daly has earned 84 England caps since her first senior call-up in 2016.

She was also a part of the squad that won Euro 2022 at Wembley two years ago.

And she remained a crucial member of Sarina Wiegman’s starting line-up throughout last summer’s World Cup, when the Lionesses narrowly missed out on the trophy following a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final.

Discussing Daly’s retirement, England manager Wiegman said: “Rachel has been an incredible part of our story and the history we’ve made together. It has been a privilege to work with her.

“I have never worked with a player so versatile, always with a smile on her face, bringing energy and trying to do her best for the team.

“Off the pitch she is always up for a joke or a nice conversation. She’ll be missed not just by me but all the other staff members, players and of course the fans.

“It is sad that she won’t be with us anymore, but we should celebrate what she has done for the team and now she becomes our No.1 fan. I would love to see her in the stands in future cheering for us and helping us to get some more wins.”

Despite retiring from international football, Daly is set to continue with Aston Villa.

The striker, who can also play as a full-back, joined the Women’s Super League side from Houston Dash in 2022.

She received the WSL Golden Boot at the end of the 2022-23 campaign and was named PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.

However, with Aston Villa struggling in the league, she has struggled to reach the same heights this season.

Daly has also played for Leeds United, Lincoln Ladies, Los Angeles Strikers, LA Blues and SoCal FC.

And she represented Team GB at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk