'She still has so much to give' - Chelsea star Millie Bright reveals Lionesses' shock at Rachel Daly's England retirement & admits she feels like she's 'lost half' of herself

Aston Villa ace Daly decided to hang up her England boots earlier this month, sending shockwaves across the sport. Tributes flooded in from her team-mates and fans following the news, with the forward now focusing solely on her club career and her "loved ones". A week on from that announcement, fellow England international Bright has reflected on the 32-year-old's decision.

She said on Women's Football Weekly: "I feel like I've lost half of me, half of me has gone. Moreso than anyone I knew it was coming but even though you know something's coming it's still hard to take. But I think the biggest thing is everyone was so shocked because she has so much to give still, but as we know football is more than just the physical side, it's the mental side as well. I could be selfish and say, 'stay another year, fight for the Euros', but that would be selfish and I would never do that."

Daly's England career spanned eight years and 84 caps, scoring 16 goals along the way. She helped the Lionesses win the European Championship in 2022 and reach the World Cup final in 2023. After struggling for game time in recent England internationals, Daly took the decision to start a new chapter in her career - despite likely having several good years of playing ahead of her - and she leaves behind her an impressive legacy.

Daly, who will be absent for next year's Euros as England try to defend their title, will next be in action for Aston Villa away to Chelsea on Wednesday night in the Women's Super League.