Laura Coombs retires from football

Laura Coombs has today announced her retirement from football.

A 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finalist, the Manchester City midfielder – who won an array of domestic honours – earned seven senior caps for her country between 2015 and 2023.

She also enjoyed success at youth level, part of the Young Lionesses’ 2009 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship-winning side in Belarus.

And the 35 year old, who played for the under-19s and under-23s, also finished as a runner-up with England at the 2010 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship.

Her first senior call-up came in October 2015 ahead of the Lionesses’ trip to Yongchuan Tournament in China, whilst with Chelsea.

She made her England bow against the host nation in a 2-1 defeat, making a further cameo in a 1-0 win over Australia in the same competition.

In 2020, after completing a switch to City, she was called up to the squad by then-manager Phil Neville, although she didn’t feature.

Under Sarina Wiegman, she was recalled to the Lionesses setup in 2023 – her first selection in eight years – having impressed at club level with the Citizens.

England went on to win the Arnold Clark Cup, with Gravesend-born Coombs picking up a medal.

She was also involved in the squad that won the inaugural Women's Finalissima. Coombs was named on the bench as England beat Brazil on penalties at Wembley Stadium.

Coombs then made Wiegman’s World Cup squad, securing her place on the plane to Australia.

And her tournament debut came England’s second group stage game against Denmark, coming on as a first-half substitute for Keira Walsh.

The Lionesses made it to the final of the tournament – Coombs an unused substitute against Spain in Sydney – as Wiegman’s side made history in becoming the first England team to reach a World Cup Final since 1966, taking home the silver medal.

Coombs was a two-time Women’s FA Cup, WSL and Women’s League Cup winner – part of Chelsea’s 2015 title-winning team; lifting the FA Cup in the same year with the Blues before going on to do so again with City in 2020, and winning the League Cup with her current club in 2022.

She represented a number of clubs – including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and City – having come through the ranks with the Gunners.

Speaking on her retirement, Sarina Wiegman said: “Laura’s contribution to the game has been significant, and she can be very proud of everything she has achieved, both with England and her success in the domestic game.

“Representing your country at different stages of the pathway is a special achievement, and Laura’s journey through the development teams to being part of the World Cup squad in 2023 says a lot about her qualities and her character.

“In my time working with her, Laura always demonstrated the values of what it means to be a Lioness and made a big contribution to the team at an important time.

“I wish her well for the next chapter of her career and thank her for everything she has given to the game. We hope to celebrate Laura’s career at an England match in the near future.”