England striker Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international football.
The 32-year old gained 84 caps and was part of the England squad that won the European championships in 2022. Last October, she was named the 10th best player in women's football at the Ballon D'Or awards.
Daly's announcement arrived the morning after the Lionesses defeated the Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2025 qualifier. Daly came off the bench late in the match to see out the 2-0 victory.
The Aston Villa star claimed the decision came down to the need to "pass on that baton to the next generation". Daly will continue to play football at club level with Villa, who sit seventh in the Women's Super League table.
Taking to social media to announce the retirement, Daly wrote: "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.
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"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 a privilege. 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! I am excited to keep working hard at club level to reach new highs and spend some much needed quality time with my loved ones! Thank you."
Millie Bright and Rachel Daly during England's 2023 Women's World Cup journey (Photo by Harriet Lander - The FA/Getty Images)Daly has been part of the England set-up since the under-15s stage, rising through the international youth ranks before breaking into the senior squad under new manager Mark Sampson. She made her debut in England's 7-0 Euro 2017 qualification victory over Serbia, marking the moment with a goal.
The former Houston Dash forward was left out of the Sampson's Euro 2017 squad and after a year's absence, was recalled into the squad under new manager Phil Neville. From there, Daly became a key cog in the squad and helped England to the 2019 SheBelieves Cup title.
Daly played and started every match of England's Euro 2022 triumph, operating as a left-back due to long-time striker Ellen White laying claim to the No 9 spot. Following White's retirement, Daly floated between attack and defence under manager Sarina Wiegman and scored in England's 6-1 World Cup group stage win over China as the Lionesses reached the 2023 final.
Despite her proficiency in front of goal at club level, Daly rarely featured in the front line for England, though her versatility, quality and aerial threat made it difficult not to feature in the starting XI.
However, since the Women's World Cup, Daly has become an increasingly peripheral figure in Wiegman's starting XI. Daly has struggled for form at club level. After a scintillating season in which she scored 22 goals in 22 Women's Super League games for Villa, scooping up the Golden Boot in the process, Daly has managed just seven goals this campaign.
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