‘The greatest honour’ – Aston Villa's Rachel Daly retires from England duty after win over the Republic of Ireland

Aston Villa forward and Euro 2022 champion Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international football.

Daly won 82 caps in her career and scored 16 goals, starting every game during England’s successful European Championship campaign.

She played a key role in the team that reached the 2023 World Cup final, as well as featuring in two games at the 2019 World Cup.

Writing on social media on Wednesday after the 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland the night before, Daly 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."

“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 team-mates 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 No. 1 fan from the stands!”

England manager Sarina Wiegman was full of praise for Daly.

“Rachel has been an incredible part of our story and the history we’ve made together. It has been a privilege to work with her," Wiegman said.

"I have never worked with a player so versatile, always with a smile on her face, bringing energy and trying to do her best for the team.

"Off the pitch she is always up for a joke or a nice conversation. She’ll be missed not just by me but all the other staff members, players and of course, the fans.

"It is sad that she won’t be with us anymore, but we should celebrate what she has done for the team, and now she becomes our No. 1 fan. I would love to see her in the stands in future cheering for us and helping us to get some more wins.”

Daly's Villa are seventh in the Women's Super League standings after 18 games, five points behind Spurs.

Next up for the Birmingham club is a daunting trip to reigning champions Chelsea, who sit three points behind leaders Manchester City in second, on Saturday.

Daly has scored seven goals in 16 games so far this season in the WSL, making her the joint seventh-top scorer in the division.

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