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England and Aston Villa forward Rachel Daly has retired from international football.
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 Ireland.
“I would love nothing more to play for England forever but the time has come for me to hang my boots up on the international stage,” Daly mentioned.
“While today is an extremely difficulty day for me, it’s also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude. Playing 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 mentioned: “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.
“Rachel has been an unbelievable 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 played as a full-back and striker for England, started last summer’s World Cup final, which Spain won 1-0.
“It has been the best honour to symbolize my household, my team-mates and your complete nation,” she mentioned.
“I’ve quite a lot of unbelievable reminiscences throughout my time with England which were 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 lucky that I’ve been in a position to share that with so many exceptional folks all through my journey.”
Football Association women’s technical director Kay Cossington said: “It is basically onerous to place Rachel’s contribution to the Lionesses into phrases.
“She is a phenomenal individual who has been a huge asset to the England team, on and off the pitch.”
Analysis
Emma Sanders, BBC Sport
Daly has had a vastly profitable England profession with out actually taking part in a starring function.
Her versatility – being employed as a defender for many of her international profession regardless of taking part in membership football 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 Players’ Player of the Year and the Golden Boot winner within the Women’s Super League however is clearly down within the pecking order for England, behind Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp within the quantity 9 place.
Her elevated want to play as a striker, versus the full-back function she has so usually crammed in for, has maybe led to a shock international retirement.
In 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 Ireland.
It is believed she advised her England team-mates about her determination 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.
But, regardless of fewer minutes of late, Daly has persistently confirmed to be a key participant for England at main tournaments.
She can be missed, however England have expertise bursting via the present squad and Daly can now concentrate on membership football, the place she stays an important participant for Villa.
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