England's Ellen White announces her retirement from football

European champion Ellen White is to retire from football after a remarkable career that saw her become England Women’s all-time leading scorer. 

White played a key role as the Lionesses achieved EURO glory on home soil this summer, starting every match and scoring twice to take her final record for her country to 52 goals. 

Capped 113 times, she hangs up her boots with a huge array of domestic club honours, notably for Arsenal and her final club Manchester City – but it was with England that her name was truly made.

This summer was her third EUROs appearance after 2013 and 2017, while she also took part in three FIFA World Cups in 2011, 2015 and 2019 – achieving a bronze medal and then semi-final finish in the latter two tournaments. 

The last World Cup also saw her score six goals, a feat bettered by no other player, while she is also a two-time Olympian with Team GB in 2012 and 2021. 

Sarina Wiegman, England Women’s head coach, said: “Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her. I have only had the pleasure of working with her for this past year, but her professionalism, work rate and finishing ability is world-class. 

“This summer, she did an amazing job for the team, she is the perfect team player and helped the younger players to find their way in international football. I already knew she was a great player but I found an even better person. We will miss her, but I fully understand her decision to take a new direction.”

Baroness Sue Campbell, The FA’s director of women’s football, said: “Ellen White will long be remembered as a model for others to follow. It is not just about her record-breaking 52 goals and performances on the pitch, but about the standards she set and the way she conducts herself. 

“A true leader of women, it has never been about Ellen White for her – even when she was scoring the crucial goals or giving everything she had, it was always the team first. She is a legend of the modern game.” 

The FA plans to recognise Ellen’s remarkable career at one of England’s home autumn fixtures.