Rachel Daly’s girlfriend Sarah Mayling breaks her silence on Lioness hero’s shock retirement from international football to ‘pass on the baton to the next generation’

Sarah Mayling has broken her silence after her girlfriend Rachel Daly announced her shock retirement from international football.

Aston Villa star Daly, who was part of the Euro 2022-winning squad and the team that reached last summer’s World Cup final, informed her England team-mates of her decision after their 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday evening.

Mayling, who is Daly’s girlfriend and also a fellow teammate, responded to the announcement, writing on Instagram: ‘Couldn’t be prouder. Love you.’

Daly scored 16 goals across 84 caps for her beloved country – but she said she felt it was the ‘right time to pass on that baton to the next generation’ in a reference to the youthful talent breaking through.

Daly scored 16 goals across 84 caps for her beloved country – but she said she felt it was the ‘right time to pass on that baton to the next generation’

Rachel Daly of England during the UEFA Nations League match between England Women and Scotland Women

The 32-year-old played in as many as six different positions – including left back and striker – for the Lionesses, but has fallen down the pecking order having expressed her desire to play in her preferred role as a striker.

‘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,’ the forward said.

‘While today is an extremely difficult day for me, it is also one filled with reflection and immense gratitude.

‘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.

‘Winning the Euros and then reaching the World Cup final changed a lot for me, not only as a footballer but as a person. 

‘I’m so fortunate that I’ve been able to share that with so many remarkable people throughout my journey.

‘I have made special friendships that will last a lifetime. I will be eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to wear the England badge with immense pride over the past eight years.

‘I am very fortunate to have played a small part in making history with the Lionesses and I feel now is the right time to pass on that baton to the next generation.’

Prince William today led tributes to the England Euros winner and Aston Villa star.

The Prince of Wales, who is also the President of the Football Association and a lifelong Aston Villa van, said: ‘Thank you for so many unforgettable performances with @Lionesses, Rachel Daly.’

Signing off the message from the Prince and Princess of Wales Instagram account with a ‘W’ for William, he joked: ‘Plenty more goals for Villa now!’ 

William, who became FA President in 2006 and often attends England matches and FA Cup finals, shared his tribute on social media in what was his first post since his wife Kate Middleton announced her shock dancer diagnosis.

The heir to the throne, 41, has long been a passionate supporter of Villa – and has even brought his son Prince George along to games. 

In 2022, William visited the Lionesses squad at St George’s Park where he, Daly and fellow Lioness Millie Bright held up England shirts with the names of his three children on the back.

Prince William is pictured at St George’s Park on June 15, 2022. Stood to his left is Rachel Daly and to his right is Millie Bright

Rachel Daly celebrates scoring against China at the Women’s World Cup last year

Prince William, 41, shared a personal message this afternoon to the official Instagram account he shares with the Princess of Wales. He signed it off with a ‘W’

The heir to the throne, 41, has long been a passionate supporter of Villa – and has even brought his son Prince George along to games at Villa Park (pictured in March 2023)

Daly is still at the top of her game, starting every game for Aston Villa and has always been widely praised for her ability to play across so many different positions for her country.

But her Villa manager, Carla Ward, said before last year’s World Cup: ‘You don’t put the best centre-forward in the country in your back line. She has proven her worth, and for me she starts.’ 

Daly started ever game at Euro 2022 despite losing her father before the tournament. She celebrated all of her goals for England by kissing an armband which she wears in his honour. 

England manager Sarina Wiegman paid tribute to Daly’s versatility, saying: ‘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. 

Rachel Daly 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 

Sarina Wiegman admitted it was a ‘privilege’ to have worked with the Aston Villa forward

Rachel Daly leads the celebrations at Trafalgar Square after the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022

Daly celebrates in the Wembley dressing room as the Lionesses squad dance around her

Daly started ever game at Euro 2022 despite losing her father before the tournament. She celebrated all of her goals for England by kissing an armband which she wears in his honour 

‘She’ll be missed not just by me but all the other staff members, players and of course the fans.’

England captain Leah Williamson said: ‘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.’

Lionesses defender Lucy Bronze said: ‘You’ve deserved every single minute of wearing that England shirt.’

‘So proud of you, no words to describe how gutted I am but what an international career it’s been,’ said Arsenal and England star Beth Mead. ‘So happy to have been a part of it. Love you Rachy.’

Chelsea captain Millie Bright wrote: ‘I don’t have many words right now. I’ve shed a lot of tears knowing this was coming. I am the proudest best friend of everything you’ve achieved in your international career. You’ve given your heart and soul to your country over and over again. I love you.’