da bwin： Lionesses star Rachel Daly has announced her shock retirement from England duty just hours after featuring in the Euro 2025 qualifying win in Ireland.
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Daly announces shock England retirementStriker came off bench in Tuesday's win over IrelandThen released surprise statement just hours laterWHAT HAPPENED?
The Aston Villa striker came off the bench in Tuesday's win in Dublin for what was her 84th cap for her country but it also proved to be her final one, as she announced her retirement from international football on Wednesday morning. The 32-year-old made her debut back in 2016 and started every game as England won the Euros in 2022. She was also a regular in the Lionesses' run to the World Cup final last year.
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However, Daly has found opportunities hard to come by in recent times, not starting any of England's last eight games, and she only got a few minutes off the bench in the April international break over this past week.
WHAT DALY SAID
In a statement released on social media, 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. 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!"
DID YOU KNOW?
Despite being a centre forward, Daly spent most of her international career starring in different roles. She started all of England's games at Euro 2022 as a left-back and adapted to play a left wing-back role during the World Cup.
Though neither were her natural positions, the 32-year-old repeatedly stated that she would happily play anywhere for the good of the team. "I'm not bothered! You can stand there all day and ask me the same questions and I'm going to give you the same answers because it's the truth," she said last year.
"I'm genuinely happy to play in any role. I think, obviously, playing in the No.9 is something I do week in, week out so it's a little bit more natural for me. But whatever role I'm given, I'll do it to the best of my ability."