England's Rachel Daly announces international retirement

England’s EURO-winning Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international football, following an illustrious eight-year career with the Lionesses. 
 
The Aston Villa forward revealed her news on Wednesday morning, following her farewell appearance for the team in their 2-0 win against Republic of Ireland. 
 
With appearances at two World Cups and one UEFA EURO under her belt, Daly won a total of 84 senior caps for England, scoring 16 goals along the way and has played a major part in the success of the team under Sarina Wiegman in recent years. 
 
She started in every game of England’s run to the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 Final, featuring as a left wing-back as the Lionesses made history by lifting the title on that unforgettable evening at Wembley. 
 
And she’s remained a key member of the group that again wrote themselves into the history books by reaching their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in Australia last summer.  

“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,” said Daly. 

“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. 

“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!” 
 
During her time with the squad, Daly’s presence, personality and popularity off the pitch with players, staff and supporters has also been an important factor in the rise of the Lionesses and their part in driving the popularity of the women’s and girls’ game during that time. 

England head coach Sarina 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.”

Kay Cossington, the FA women’s technical director, said: “It is really hard to put Rachel’s contribution to the Lionesses into words. She is a phenomenal individual who has been a huge asset to the England team, on and off the pitch.

"She’s put her heart and soul into every game, playing not only for the badge but playing for every little girl who loves the sport.  She’s said that the place will be quieter without her but I actually think it won’t be the same without her. Her talent and charisma will be sorely missed by players and staff. 

"We will of course pay tribute to her fantastic service to the Lionesses at the right time.”

Born in Harrogate, Daly started her career with her childhood team Leeds United and she made her first steps on the international ladder with a trip to New Zealand for the FIFA WU17 World Cup in 2008. 

A move to Lincoln Ladies in 2010 saw her break onto the WSL scene as a youngster, but it was only after a switch to college in the USA where she worked her way back into the England reckoning after joining NWSL side Houston Dash. 

She made her senior team debut in 2016, marking her first appearance with a goal against Serbia, and while she had to show patience to become a regular, her form in the NWSL saw her join Phil Neville’s squad in the build-up to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France where she had her first taste of a senior tournament.  
 
Plans to pay tribute and publicly thank Rachel for her contribution to the Lionesses at a home game will be announced in due course.

She will always be warmly welcomed back to Wembley and St. George’s Park and we would like to wish her the very best as her illustrious career continues in the domestic game.