Published 06 June 2024 3 min read
England Para Teams
England men's blind captain Dan English announces retirement
England men's blind captain Dan English has announced his retirement from football, following a trailblazing career with the Para Lions.
The 33 year old made 145 appearances for England, scoring 50 goals and featuring in multiple major tournaments over the last 16 years. Born and raised in Sunderland, English honed his skills playing street football in his hometown before he lost his sight at the age of nine.
After continuing to play football after that with friends and family, it was years later when he was studying at Loughborough College that he was spotted by former England Blind boss Tony Larkin and was introduced to blind football.
He went on to feature in three World Championships (2010, 2018 and 2023), three World Grand Prix (2018, 2019 and 2023), seven European Championships (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022), two IBSA world games in 2011 and 2015, as well as representing Team GB at the Paralympics in London 2012.
During that time, he picked up four Euro bronze medals and silver medals in both IBSA world games and World Grand Prix.
After continuing to play football after that with friends and family, it was years later when he was studying at Loughborough College that he was spotted by former England Blind boss Tony Larkin and was introduced to blind football.
He went on to feature in three World Championships (2010, 2018 and 2023), three World Grand Prix (2018, 2019 and 2023), seven European Championships (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022), two IBSA world games in 2011 and 2015, as well as representing Team GB at the Paralympics in London 2012.
During that time, he picked up four Euro bronze medals and silver medals in both IBSA world games and World Grand Prix.
Dan reflected on his career as follows: "Football has been a massive part of my life and allowed me to make great memories, meet some very inspirational people and represent my country at the highest level.
"However, now is the right time for me to end my international career and allow the next generation to carry on striving to become the best England has to offer. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me to reach the level I achieved. I'll be cheering for everyone after me who pulls on the Three Lions shirt and wishing them every success."
The FA's Head of Para Performance, Catherine Gilby, added: "What an incredible football journey Dan English has had as a player, achieving over 140 appearances for the England Blind Football team in a career spanning 16 years at the very top."
"Not only has Dan achieved a number of outstanding performances as a player, he's been a significant part of a movement driving the sport forwards."
"On behalf of the FA, I'd like to recognise Dan's significant achievements and thank him wholeheartedly for his contributions to the sport, and I am looking forward to recognising this formally at the Para Football Awards in July.
"I would like to wish Dan all the very best with his future endeavours."
"However, now is the right time for me to end my international career and allow the next generation to carry on striving to become the best England has to offer. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me to reach the level I achieved. I'll be cheering for everyone after me who pulls on the Three Lions shirt and wishing them every success."
The FA's Head of Para Performance, Catherine Gilby, added: "What an incredible football journey Dan English has had as a player, achieving over 140 appearances for the England Blind Football team in a career spanning 16 years at the very top."
"Not only has Dan achieved a number of outstanding performances as a player, he's been a significant part of a movement driving the sport forwards."
"On behalf of the FA, I'd like to recognise Dan's significant achievements and thank him wholeheartedly for his contributions to the sport, and I am looking forward to recognising this formally at the Para Football Awards in July.
"I would like to wish Dan all the very best with his future endeavours."
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