Published 16 July 2022 4 min read
England Women's Senior Team
Rachel Daly enjoying EURO 2022 adventure
Lionesses' versatile defender has featured in all three group games at EURO 2022 so far and admits she's loving it
Rachel Daly applauded the “strong” competition for places in the England set up and discussed how it makes her a better player, following the Lionesses’ 5-0 win over Northern Ireland at St Mary’s Stadium on Friday night.
Daly has started all three games for England at the Women’s EUROs this summer, making the left-back role her own.
On the fight for starting spots, she said: “You don’t take anything for granted. The competition is so, so strong and anyone can play in any role.
“It’s good for me, but I just want to keep a clean sheet and keep winning. That’s all that matters.”
Having played in a wide range of positions throughout her career, Daly has become a jack-of-all-trades, equally as impactful going forward as back.
With the steady start to the competition, the 30 year old expressed her delight at her newfound home on the left side of England’s backline.
“Do you think I’m enjoying playing there?” she laughed. “I enjoy it, I love it. I think it really suits my attributes. But again, like I say, I’ll play whatever role I’m asked to on the pitch.”
Daly has started all three games for England at the Women’s EUROs this summer, making the left-back role her own.
On the fight for starting spots, she said: “You don’t take anything for granted. The competition is so, so strong and anyone can play in any role.
“It’s good for me, but I just want to keep a clean sheet and keep winning. That’s all that matters.”
Having played in a wide range of positions throughout her career, Daly has become a jack-of-all-trades, equally as impactful going forward as back.
With the steady start to the competition, the 30 year old expressed her delight at her newfound home on the left side of England’s backline.
“Do you think I’m enjoying playing there?” she laughed. “I enjoy it, I love it. I think it really suits my attributes. But again, like I say, I’ll play whatever role I’m asked to on the pitch.”
Sarina Wiegman has named the same unchanged eleven for each of the Lionesses’ three group games, evidently trusting the likes of Daly to control proceedings from the first whistle, and her use of substitutions has allowed those on the pitch to maintain a high tempo.
Alessia Russo’s three goals from the bench – including two within just eight minutes of appearing against Northern Ireland – have been the stand-out example of quality when relied upon.
Daly stated her delight at the strength of the group, saying: “Every single member of that squad can step onto the pitch and be ready. It’s the most depth to a squad we have ever had.
“It’s not just eleven players on the pitch. We feel that. Everyone feels that. From starters to the players coming on, they’ve showcased themselves well.”
The quality carries through to team spirit, and Daly also spoke about the shared ambition imparted on them by Wiegman and how it has knitted together the team for success.
She noted: “We’re on the same path we’ve always been on. You know, we stick together. We are in the quarters now. We will be ready for the quarters.”
Alongside substitute starlets, the Lionesses have been eager to impress the sell-out crowds that they’ve played in front of.
“We wanted to go out and put up a good performance and end the group games really well,” Daly said of the Northern Ireland rout.
“We wanted to do the fans proud and enjoy the moment so yes, it’s been going well.
“Every time they show up, live in the stadium it’s a massive help. You see how much we interact with them at the end of games and take them on a journey with us.”
Written by James McCormick, a University of Derby graduate.
Alessia Russo’s three goals from the bench – including two within just eight minutes of appearing against Northern Ireland – have been the stand-out example of quality when relied upon.
Daly stated her delight at the strength of the group, saying: “Every single member of that squad can step onto the pitch and be ready. It’s the most depth to a squad we have ever had.
“It’s not just eleven players on the pitch. We feel that. Everyone feels that. From starters to the players coming on, they’ve showcased themselves well.”
The quality carries through to team spirit, and Daly also spoke about the shared ambition imparted on them by Wiegman and how it has knitted together the team for success.
She noted: “We’re on the same path we’ve always been on. You know, we stick together. We are in the quarters now. We will be ready for the quarters.”
Alongside substitute starlets, the Lionesses have been eager to impress the sell-out crowds that they’ve played in front of.
“We wanted to go out and put up a good performance and end the group games really well,” Daly said of the Northern Ireland rout.
“We wanted to do the fans proud and enjoy the moment so yes, it’s been going well.
“Every time they show up, live in the stadium it’s a massive help. You see how much we interact with them at the end of games and take them on a journey with us.”
Written by James McCormick, a University of Derby graduate.