Carney Calls Time: Thank You, Karen Carney MBE

Karen Carney retired after England’s bronze-medal match against Sweden on 6 July 2019, fourteen years and 144 caps after her debut, and She Kicks marks it by asking the people who watched her closest for a favourite memory. Emma Hayes writes about being supported by Carney on returning to work after having her son, and calls her the closest thing to Kelly Smith English football has produced in a decade. Marcus Bignot, who signed her at fourteen as Birmingham City Ladies’ first-ever signing, says nothing in her playing career surprised him but her growth as a person amazed him. Tony Leighton dates his first sighting to a Premier League Cup final in April 2002. A supporter, Bea Watkinson, and editor Jen O’Neill complete the tributes.