There will inevitably, and rightly, be an enormous level of affection for Rachel Daly after the shock news of her retirement from international football, which came merely 12 hours after appearing for England as a substitute against the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday.
But beyond the recognition for this unique footballer — full-back, wing-back, wide midfielder, winger and Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner when actually used in her best position as a striker — there are a couple of pertinent questions. Why has Daly made this decision? And what does it say about Sarina Wiegman’s England? Daly’s retirement message gave little away. But it seems clear this is a footballer who felt overlooked.
Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened 🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/Rawl2Ohrkl
— Rachel Daly (@RachelDaly3) April 10, 2024
In the aftermath of Euro 2022 it seemed clear Alessia Russo would become England’s first-choice centre-forward. Ellen White’s retirement meant there was a vacancy up front. Russo had been introduced as a substitute in all six games at the Euros, scoring four times — including the famous backheel against Sweden in a 4-0 semi-final victory. At 23, Russo was set to explode into a consistent world-class…
