Jill Scott announced her retirement from football following a remarkable career that saw her earn the second-most caps of any player, male or female, in the annals of English football.
The 35-year-old finished his 16-year international career on a high note by helping England win Euro 2022 this summer. In 2006, she made her England debut. She went on to play 161 times for her nation. With 172 caps, only Fara Williams has more.
The incredibly well-liked midfielder wrote in a farewell post for the Players’ Tribune, “I may be saying my goodbyes to football, but we’re going to make this a celebration.” “No sad expressions! We’ve been having too much fun to cry.
Only one day after Ellen White, another champion of Euro 2022, announced she would hang up her boots following England’s triumphant summer, Scott has done the same. Since Scott, 35, is currently without a club after leaving Manchester City, his decision is less shocking.
According to Scott, two things about me have always been true: I’ve always been obstinate, and I’ve always enjoyed football. Perhaps this is because I’m from Sunderland. Since I was five years old, I have always had it in my blood. I approached a group of lads playing in the schoolyard directly and said the four magic words. Can I join in too?
After a 16-year international career, Scott is regarded as one of England’s most influential and respected players. In addition to winning Euro 2022, she also placed third in the 2015 World Cup and lost in the final of the 2009 European Championship. She represented Great Britain in two Olympics and 10 other international competitions.
Scott began her career with Sunderland before joining Everton in 2006 and made her mark at the club level. Although she lost her starting position toward the end and was loaned out, first to Everton and then to Aston Villa, she lasted seven years on Merseyside and eight more at Manchester City. She won the FA Cup four times, the WSL Cup three times, and the WSL once.
Scott, a star among his teammates, was dubbed “happy-go-lucky” by former England coach Phil Neville. Scott’s former teammate, Carly Telford, said last year: “She’ll never take the praises that she deserves.” He commended her for adding “some cheekiness to the squad.” She is incredibly selfless and will sacrifice anything for the team.
Many people honoured Scott, including England’s head coach Sarina Wiegman, who said: “I must congratulate Jill on an exceptional career. She managed to end on such a happy note, which makes me so happy. She has been an England team icon for a very long time. Therefore it will be difficult to picture the team without her. Although I understand her decision, we will undoubtedly miss her positive influence both on and off the field.
Jill has been a good player, evidenced by her ability to compete at the highest level for a long time. Her tale will serve as an inspiration for other athletes in the future. She still has a tonne to contribute. She is a remarkable person, and although our time together was brief, I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to work with her.
Also congratulating Scott on her career, the Duke of Cambridge joked that he would miss her “slide tackles.” William declared a terrific team player and a pioneer of women’s football in a private tweet. Congratulations on a successful career, JillScottJS8; getting to know you have been a pleasure.
