HANGING UP CAP
Who is England football star Rachel Daly and when did she retire as a Lioness?
Including her retirement statement in full
RACHEL Daly has announced that she is stepping down from the Lionesses.
The England international has had an impressive career - including lifting the Euro 2022 Cup.
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Who is former England football star Rachel Daly?
Rachel Ann Daly is a professional footballer from Harrogate, England.
She was born on December 6, 1991, and spent her youth career at Leeds United.
Daly plays in the FA Women’s Super League (WSL) for Aston Villa.
In April 2024, the England international announced her retirement from the Lionesses, having won the Euros with them in 2022 and bagging a runners-up medal at the 2023 World Cup.
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How long has Rachel Daly played for Aston Villa and which other teams has she played for?
Rachel signed a three year deal with Aston Villa on August 9, 2022.
She made her professional debut for the club on September 18 in a 4-3 win over Manchester City, scoring two goals.
In the 2022-23 WSL season she scored 22 goals, equalling Vivianne Miedema’s record for the most goals scored in a season and winning the Golden Boot.
Rachel's senior career began at Leeds before moving to Lincoln Ladies.
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She then went to America, eventually chosen by Houston Dash as the sixth overall pick of the 2016 US National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) College Draft.
In 2018, Rachel was voted team Most Valuable Player (MVP) and selected for the NWSL second XI.
Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short
She made 101 appearances for the club and was named captain, winning the Challenge Cup.
Rachel was sent on loan to West Ham in September 2020.
Daly represented Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, held in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
She was one of six defenders in the Olympic squad, appearing in all four matches and starting three of them.
They lost in the quarter finals.
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How long did Rachel Daly play for England and when did she make her debut?
Daly has represented England at the under-15, under-17, under-19, and under-23 levels.
She was part of the under-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup team, which finished fourth in New Zealand in 2008.
After progressing through the youth levels, Rachel made her senior debut in 2016, scoring in a 7-0 victory over Serbia in the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 qualifier.
She was part of the triumphant 2022 Euros squad - playing in the final at left back.
She also played in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, losing in the final to Spain.
Why is Rachel Daly retiring?
Daly announced on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 that she would be retiring from the England squad.
She said: "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."
She added that the decision was "extremely difficult" but that playing for her country and been "the greatest honour".
Rachel Daly's retirement statement in full
HERE'S what Rachel Daly said as she retired from the Lionesses:
"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.
"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 the greatest honour.
"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.
Daly played for the Lionesses for eight years.
Is Rachel Daly in a relationship?
Daly is in a relationship with Aston Villa teammate Sarah Mayling.
It is not known exactly when the couple got together but they went Instagram official in December 2023.
Who did Rachel Daly date?
Daly was previously in a relationship with fellow footballer Millie Turner.
Rachel and Millie started dating in July 2021.
The former couple were often seen supporting each other at matches.
How old was Rachel Daly when she started playing football?
Daly's love of football started in her childhood.
She joined Killinghall when she was "eight or nine".
She said: "I joined Killinghall when I was about eight or nine.
"My brother played for them, all my male friends played for them and my dad played for their men’s team as well so it was an easy decision!"
How many caps did Rachel Daly play for England?
Daly played 84 senior caps for England.
She won her first senior cap in June 2016, scoring in England's 7–0 Euro 2017 qualifying win over Serbia.
She scored 16 times in total, including one against China in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
What position does Rachel Daly play in?
Daly has played multiple positions throughout her football career.
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At the 2022 Euros, Daly started every England game at left back.
On February 19, 2023, Daly played as a centre-forward in an Arnold Clark Cup match against Italy
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