Rachel Daly, a member of the England squad that won Euro 2022 and reached last year’s World Cup final, has announced her retirement from international football.
The 32-year-old Aston Villa forward won 84 senior caps for the Lionesses, scoring 16 goals. “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,” she wrote on Instagram following England’s 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Tuesday. “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 team-mates and the entire country. I have a lot of incredible memories during my time with England that have been pivotal moments.
“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.”
Daly started every game of England’s run to their victorious European Championship final, featuring as a left wing-back as the host nation made history at Wembley. And she remained a key member of Sarina Wiegman’s squad as England reached a first women’s World Cup final in Australia last summer.
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened 🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/Rawl2Ohrkl
— Rachel Daly (@RachelDaly3) April 10, 2024
Paying tribute to Daly, who marked her England debut against Serbia in 2016 with a goal, 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.”
Daley’s England teammates have also paid tribute to her. “So proud of you, no words to describe how gutted I am but what an international career it’s been,” said Beth Mead. “So happy to have been a part of it. Love you Rachy.”
Millie Bright added: “I don’t have many words right now. I’ve shed a lot of tears knowing this was coming. I am the proudest best friend of everything you’ve achieved in your international career. You’ve given your heart and soul to your country over and over again. I love you.”