'There are not enough words' - Rachel Daly bombshell Lionesses retirement prompts emotional tributes from Leah Williamson & Mary Earps

Daly bid farewell to the international stage after earning her 84th cap for her country after Tuesday's 2-0 win over Ireland in Dublin, marking the end of an illustrious career representing England. Her decision, revealed on Wednesday morning, stunned fans and colleagues alike, and what followed was a spontaneous outpour of tributes from her team-mates, led by Williamson and Earps.

English goalkeeper Earps took to her Instagram story and wrote: "Congratulations on an incredible international career @racheldaly3 River deep mountain high".

@1maryearps Instagram

Meanwho;e, a shell-shocked Williamson shared her emotions by writing: "There are not enough words to do you justice as a player but most importantly as a human being! ❤️ So happy I got to play with you one last time. I'll miss having you around Dash xxx."

@leahwilliamsonn Instagram

The 32-year-old striker played a pivotal role in England's triumph at the Euros in 2022, starting every game and contributing significantly to the team's success. Daly's versatility and adaptability on the field were evident as she transitioned from her role as a striker to operating as a left-back during England's Euro 2022 triumph and to a left-wing back position during the 2023 World Cup.

Having been part of the England setup since her early years in the under-15 stage, Daly's rise through the ranks exemplifies her dedication and talent. She made her mark on the international scene with a memorable debut, scoring in England's 7-0 Euro 2017 qualification victory over Serbia, laying the foundation for her stellar career ahead.

While Daly's contributions to the Lionesses' success are undeniable, her recent form at club level has been a cause for concern. Despite a remarkable 2022-23 season where she clinched the Golden Boot with 22 goals in 22 Women's Super League games for Aston Villa, Daly's goal-scoring prowess has dwindled this campaign, managing just seven goals. But as Daly embarks on the next chapter of her football journey, her legacy as a stalwart of the Lionesses and a role model for aspiring footballers will endure. She will be back in action for Villa against Chelsea on April 17 in the WSL.