Rachel Daly of Aston Villa has refuted suggestions that her recent retirement from international duty was prompted by England manager Sarina Wiegman’s reluctance to utilize her as a striker.
The 32-year-old surprised many in the footballing world by announcing her retirement from England duty shortly after featuring as a substitute in the Lionesses’ 2-0 Euro 2025 qualification victory over the Republic of Ireland.
In a statement shared on social media, Daly attributed her decision to “passing the baton to the next generation” and emphasized her commitment to focusing on her club career.
Speculation arose regarding the reasoning behind Daly’s retirement, with some suggesting it stemmed from Wiegman’s preference for Arsenal’s Alessia Russo over Daly in the striker role. During England’s Euro 2025 qualification opener against Sweden, Wiegman deployed Manchester City winger Lauren Hemp in the striker position after Russo’s substitution, leaving Daly, last season’s Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner, on the bench.
However, Daly dismissed claims that frustrations with Wiegman over position and playing time influenced her retirement decision. She stressed her willingness to represent her country in any position, highlighting her versatility and dedication to the team’s success.
While acknowledging her strengths as a forward, Daly emphasized her satisfaction with contributing to women’s football history in various positions, including left-back and right-back.
Regarding discussions with Wiegman about her position, Daly revealed ongoing conversations and a collaborative approach to finding the best fit for the team.
Daly’s retirement announcement came as a surprise to fans and teammates alike, with Daly informing her England teammates after the Ireland game.
Acknowledging her age and career experiences, including a decade spent in America, Daly expressed a desire to prioritize family and potentially enhance her club career through retirement from international duty.
Leave a Reply