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7 months ago
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A member of England's heroic Euro 2022 squad has announced a shock retirement from international action.
The Lionesses did something that neither the Women's nor the Men's teams had ever done in winning the European Championship under the Wembley arches in summer 2022, beating Germany 2-1.
After 84 caps, the most recent of which came on Tuesday night with a cameo from the bench against the Republic of Ireland, one of those stars has taken the difficult decision to hang up her boots at the age of 32. .
Rachel Daly was a huge part of that squad, the Aston Villa star starting at left back on that memorable day with the Lionesses.
The versatile striker and full back took to social media to share her bombshell announcement, claiming it had been a 'privilege' to play for England and that she would remain 'eternally grateful' for the opportunity to do so.
Rachel Daly has announced a shock retirement from international football as of Wednesday
The versatile defender and striker started at left back on that memorable day at Wembley
Daly won 84 caps in her eight-year career with the national team, scoring 16 goals in that time
On Instagram she posted: '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.'
England head coach Sarina Wiegman added that working with Daly has been a 'privilege'.
In a statement on the England's official website, Wiegman said: '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.
'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.
Sarina Wiegman admitted it was a 'privilege' to have worked with the Aston Villa forward
'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 number one fan. I would love to see her in the stands in future cheering for us and helping us to get some more wins.'
Daly made her debut for the Lionesses in 2016, scoring in a 7-0 demolition of Serbia in qualification for Euro 2017, though she would later spend a year out of contention.
Phil Neville's appointment in the dugout to replace Mark Sampson then saw a return to the fold, before Daly became a key part of Wiegman's England outfit.
She was part of the side that reached the World Cup final in 2023, only to be beaten 1-0 by Spain in Australia.
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