England's Rachel Daly retires from international football

Rachel Daly, 32, earned 84 caps for the Lionesses and was part of the England squad that won the European Championship and last summer's World Cup final. Daly made his final appearance for the Lionesses against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday

England striker Rachel Daly has announced her retirement from international football.

The 32-year-old played 84 matches and was part of the England team that won the European Championship in 2022 and reached the final of the 2023 World Cup.

He scored 16 goals for his country, including one on his debut against Serbia in 2016. His last appearance for the Lionesses came on Tuesday night when he played in a 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland.

Daly, who played at Aston Villa's youth level in England, said in a statement that "the time has come to hang up my boots on the international stage" and "pass that baton on to the next generation".

England manager Sarina Wiegman added on Instagram: “I want to pay tribute to Rachel Daly.

"Rachel has been an incredible part of our story and the history we've made together. It's been a privilege to work with her. I've never worked with such a versatile player, always with a smile on her face, always bringing energy. and trying to do her best for the team.

- He will not only be missed by me, but also by other staff, players and of course the fans.

"It's been the greatest honor" - Daly's statement in full

- I would like nothing more than to play in England forever, but the time has come to hang up my boots on the international stage.

"Although today is a very difficult day for me, it is also one full of reflection and immense gratitude. It has been a privilege to play for and represent England.

"During my eight years at the Lions, I have always strived for success and won football matches while playing and training with the highest level of competition, passion and tenacity. It has been the greatest honor to represent my family, my team-mates and I have many incredible memories of my time with England, which have been key moments .

"Winning the Euros and then reaching the World Cup finals changed a lot for me, not just as a footballer but as a person. I'm so lucky to have shared it with so many remarkable people throughout my journey. I've made special friendships that will last a lifetime.

"I am eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to wear the England badge with immense pride over the last eight years. I am very fortunate to be part of making history with the Lionesses and I feel now is the right time to pass the baton to the next generation and be England's number one fan in the stands!

"I am excited to continue working hard at the club level to reach new heights and spend some much needed quality time with my loved ones."

Analysis: Daly retires as a bona fide legend

Sky Sports' Charlotte Marsh:

"Daly's career in England has not always been smooth sailing, but he ends his time with the Lionesses as a bona fide legend.

"He was part of the team that started all six games at Euro 2022 at left-back and had returned to the competition under Phil Neville and has rarely been out of the team since.

"One of England's most versatile players, he has recently enjoyed a renaissance as a centre-forward - scoring 16 goals for the Lionesses - which has contributed to the success of his club, Aston Villa, and England as they adjust to the post-Ellen White era.

“But he will always be remembered as the England defender who stepped up to the plate again at last summer's World Cup when Sarina Wiegman looked to strengthen the sometimes lackluster Lionesses with a new line-up.

“Daly has found herself mostly used as a substitute since the World Cup - Niamh Charles and Jess Carter are regular options at left-back, while Alessia Russo has established herself as England's first-choice striker.

"But going beyond the Wiegman era, Daly has been a consistent contributor to England's success at the World Cup, European Championships and other tournaments. He also appeared in every Team GB game at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“Her personality and leadership will be sorely missed at the Lioness camps, although she ended her career without one of her best friends, Millie Bright.

“And perhaps another shame is that the fans saw him in an England shirt for the last time against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday - and didn't even know it.

"Of course it's the choice of each player how they announce their international retirement, but it would have been a great send off for one of England's most popular players."