A member of England’s heroic Euro 2022 squad has announced his shock withdrawal from international action.
The Lionesses did something neither the women’s nor men’s teams had ever done: they won the European Championship under the arches of Wembley in the summer of 2022, beating Germany 2-1.
After 84 caps, most recently with a cameo from the bench against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday evening, one of those stars has made the difficult decision to hang up her football boots at the age of 32.
Rachel Daly was a big part of that squad, the Aston Villa star starting at left-back on that memorable day for the Lionesses.
The versatile striker and full-back took to social media to share her eye-catching announcement, claiming it had been a ‘privilege’ to play for England and that she would remain ‘eternally grateful’ for the opportunity to do so.
Rachel Daly has announced a shock retirement from international football with effect from Wednesday
The versatile defender and striker started at left back on that memorable day at Wembley
Daly won 84 caps in her eight-year career with the national team, scoring 16 goals in that time
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She posted on Instagram: ‘I would love nothing more than to play for England forever, but the time has come for me to hang up my boots on the international stage.
‘Although today is an extremely difficult day for me, it is also a day full of reflection and immense gratitude. Playing for and representing England has been the greatest honor.
“During my eight years as a Lioness, I always pursued success and won football matches, while playing and training with the highest standards of competition, passion and perseverance.
“It was the greatest honor to represent my family, my teammates and the entire country. I have many incredible memories of my time with England which were pivotal moments.”
England head coach Sarina Wiegman added that working with Daly has been a ‘privilege’.
In a statement on England’s official website, Wiegman said: ‘Rachel has been an incredible part of our story and the history we have created together. It was a privilege to work with her.
‘I have never worked with a player who is so versatile, always with a smile on her face, brings energy and does her best for the team.
‘Off the field she is always up for a joke or a nice conversation. She will be missed not only by me, but also by all the other staff, players and of course the fans.
Sarina Wiegman admitted it was a ‘privilege’ to have worked with the Aston Villa striker
“It’s sad that she will no longer be with us, but we should celebrate what she has done for the team and now she will be our biggest fan. I would love to see her in the stands in the future to cheer us on and help us achieve even more victories.”
Daly made her debut for the Lionesses in 2016, scoring in the 7-0 defeat of Serbia in Euro 2017 qualifying, although she would later be out of action for a year.
The appointment of Phil Neville to the dugout to replace Mark Sampson subsequently ensured a return to the side, before Daly became a key part of Wiegman’s England team.
She was part of the team that reached the World Cup final in 2023, but was defeated 1-0 by Spain in Australia.