Former England women’s international Lucy Staniforth is set to hang up her boots at the end of the 2025-26 season.
The midfielder made 17 appearances for the Lionesses, scoring twice, after rising through the development squads with 28 caps across the U-17s to the U-23s.
She helped the Young Lionesses secure fourth place at the 2008 WU17 World Cup, before earning a winners’ medal at the UEFA WU19 EURO in 2009.
Staniforth was selected for the 2019 World Cup, was on the provisional squad list for EURO 2022 and as a standby player for the 2023 World Cup.
After starting her domestic career with Sunderland, Staniforth went on to play for the likes of Lincoln Ladies, Bristol Academy, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Manchester United and Aston Villa, winning the 2013 WSL title during her time at Anfield as well as finishing as a Women’s FA Cup runner-up in 2009 and 2013.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman told englandfootball.com: “Lucy’s contribution to the game deserves recognition, and she can be very proud of everything she has achieved.”
“Her journey reflects her determination and passion for the game. She played at the highest level both internationally and domestically, and those achievements will stay with her long after she steps away from the pitch.
“Since I have known Lucy, she always approached her role with professionalism and the right values, and she was a positive presence around the squad, particularly ahead of EURO 2022 and the World Cup in 2023.
“I look forward to celebrating her at a future home game and we all wish her every success in her next chapter.”
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