The Rise of England’s Most Adaptable Star
Rachel Daly has redefined versatility in women’s football. Over the past year, the 31-year-old has:
- Played left-back in England’s Euro 2022 triumph
- Switched to Aston Villa as a striker
- Won the WSL Golden Boot with 22 goals (matching Vivianne Miedema’s record)
Now, as the Lionesses prepare for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Daly faces a thrilling battle with Alessia Russo for the starting No. 9 role.
From Leeds to Lincoln: The Defensive Foundations
Daly’s career began at Leeds United, where she progressed through the academy before joining Lincoln City Ladies in 2011. Glen Harris, her former Lincoln manager, recalls:
“Rachel was a marauding full-back who loved attacking. But nobody predicted she’d become a world-class striker. Her work ethic stood out—she was tough on herself but always eager to improve.”
Sue Smith, Mostplay pundit and former teammate, adds:
“Even at Leeds, she had that attacking instinct. I’d often tell her to stay back when she overlapped!”
Daly’s early days at Lincoln shaped her relentless mentality.
The American Transformation: From Full-Back to Goal Machine
In 2013, Daly moved to St. John’s University in New York, where coach Ian Stone converted her into a striker. The results were instant:
- 50 goals in 60 games (still a St. John’s record)
- 2016 NWSL Draft: Houston Dash selected her as a forward
- 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup: Golden Boot & MVP honors
Randy Waldrum, her Houston coach, told Mostplay:
“She could’ve been a world-class full-back, but her movement and finishing were too good to ignore. Her versatility makes her invaluable.”
Daly’s time in the NWSL honed her predatory instincts.
Heartbreak and Triumph: The 2022 Turning Point
The 2021 passing of her father, Martyn, could have derailed Daly’s career. Instead, she channeled her grief into peak performance:
- Euro 2022: Started every game at left-back for England’s champions
- Aston Villa Move (2022): Scored 30 goals in her debut season
- WSL Golden Boot: 22 league goals, equaling Miedema’s record
Smith reflects:
“Losing her dad gave her extra drive. Every goal celebration—pointing to the sky—shows how much it means to her.”
Her emotional dedication to her father fuels her on-field brilliance.
The World Cup Dilemma: Daly vs. Russo
Sarina Wiegman faces a tough call:
| Stat | Rachel Daly (Aston Villa) | Alessia Russo (Man Utd) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 Goals | 22 (WSL) | 10 (WSL) |
| Int’l Caps | 69 | 21 |
| Strengths | Clinical finisher | Hold-up play |
Wiegman’s hint? Daly has been handed the No. 9 shirt for the World Cup.
Mostplay Verdict: Daly’s Moment to Shine
Daly’s journey—from Leeds left-back to Golden Boot winner—epitomizes resilience. With her current form, she’s earned the right to lead England’s attack in Australia/New Zealand.
Key Takeaways:
- Versatility is her superpower – excels at both ends of the pitch.
- Emotional drive – her father’s memory fuels her performances.
- Proven big-game pedigree – from NWSL to WSL, she delivers.
Will Wiegman start her up front? Mostplay believes she should.
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