Daly’s Retirement from England Duty: A Reflective Farewell
Rachel Daly, the talented forward for Aston Villa and the England women’s national team, has announced her retirement from international football. With 84 caps to her name, Daly played a crucial role in England’s victory at Euro 2022. Her final appearance for her country was as a late substitute in the team’s 2-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland in the Euro 2025 qualifiers. Daly expressed mixed emotions about her retirement, stating, “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’s journey with the Lionesses began in 2016 when she made her debut against Serbia, scoring her first international goal. She went on to start in every game during Euro 2022, where England secured their first major trophy. Daly’s versatility on the pitch, playing both as a full-back and striker, made her an invaluable asset to the team. England manager Sarina Wiegman praised Daly, calling her “the most versatile player” she has ever worked with and commending her constant positivity and commitment to the team.
The pinnacle of Daly’s international career came in last summer’s World Cup final, where she started as a full-back in a match Spain narrowly won 1-0. Reflecting on her time with England, Daly shared, “Winning the Euros and then reaching the World Cup final changed a lot for me, not only as a footballer but as a person.” She expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to represent her family, teammates, and the entire country.
While Daly bids farewell to international football, she assured fans that she would continue to support the Lionesses wholeheartedly. She stated that she would be “England’s number one fan” and expressed her excitement to witness the next generation of players take on the baton. England captain Leah Williamson and defender Lucy Bronze also paid tribute to Daly, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the team.
Daly’s retirement from international duty is bittersweet for both fans and the Football Association. Her incredible versatility on the pitch, often playing out of position as a defender despite excelling as a striker at club level, has been both an asset and a hindrance. Last season, Daly was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and the Golden Boot winner in the Women’s Super League. However, her desire to focus on playing as a striker may have influenced her decision to retire from international football.
Although Daly’s recent playing time for England has been limited, she has consistently proved herself as a key player during major tournaments. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt, but England’s current squad boasts a wealth of talent ready to step up. As Daly embarks on the next chapter of her football career, she can now fully dedicate herself to club football, where she remains an integral part of Aston Villa.
Rachel Daly’s retirement from international duty marks the end of an era for England football. Her contributions to the Lionesses both on and off the pitch have been immense, and her versatility has made her an unforgettable player. As fans bid farewell to Daly’s international career, they eagerly anticipate the rise of new stars who will carry the torch for England women’s football.