England striker Rachel Daly, who gained 84 caps and was part of the squad that won the European championships in 2022, announced her retirement from international football. Her decision came just after the Lionesses’ 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2025 qualifier. Daly expressed the need to pass on the baton to the next generation and will continue playing at club level with Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League.
Starting out in the England set-up at the under-15 level, Daly worked her way up through the youth ranks and made her senior debut in a Euro 2017 qualifier. She was a key player in the squad that won the 2019 SheBelieves Cup and was instrumental in England’s Euro 2022 triumph, playing in every match and scoring in the 6-1 World Cup victory over China. Daly’s versatility, quality, and aerial threat made her a valuable asset to the team, despite mostly playing as a left-back due to other strikers like Ellen White dominating the front line.
After reaching the World Cup final in 2023, Daly faced challenges in maintaining form and a spot in the starting XI under new manager Sarina Wiegman. Despite her success at club level, Daly struggled to replicate that form for England, leading to limited opportunities on the international stage. Daly’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Lionesses, as she reflects on her eight years of representing her family, teammates, and the entire country. She expresses gratitude for the memories made and looks forward to supporting the team from the stands.
Daly acknowledges the privilege of playing for England and the impact it has had on her both as a footballer and as a person. Winning the Euros and reaching the World Cup final were significant moments in her career, and she values the friendships and memories created during her time with the national team. Passing on the baton to the next generation, Daly hopes to see England continue its success in women’s football and aims to focus on reaching new heights at the club level while spending quality time with loved ones.
Her retirement announcement came shortly after being named the 10th best player in women’s football at the Ballon D’Or awards, showcasing her talent and contribution to the sport. Despite facing challenges towards the end of her international career, Daly leaves a lasting legacy with the Lionesses and looks forward to supporting the team as a fan. Her retirement marks the end of a successful chapter in English women’s football, inspiring the next generation of players to continue the legacy she helped build during her time with the national team.
