Jill Scott: England Women legend retires at age of 35

Jill Scott, England Women's second-highest capped player, has announced her retirement from football at the age of 35.

Avignyan MukhopadhyayAugust 23, 2022 at 04:27 PM3 min read
Jill Scott, England Women's second-highest capped player, has announced her retirement from football at the age of 35.

Jill Scott, England Women's second-highest capped player, has announced her retirement from football at the age of 35.

The decision comes after the midfielder was part of the England squad that won Euro 2022 last month.

Jill Scott won 161 caps for the Lionesses and scored 27 goals, while also winning the Women's Super League title and four women's FA Cups.

Scott said in the Players' Tribune: "I may be saying my goodbyes to football, but we're going to make this a celebration. No sad faces!! We've had too much fun for any tears.

"Imagine, if you would have told me that I'd go on to play for England for 16 years?

"If you would have told me that I'd live to see 90,000 people packed into Wembley Stadium for a women's European final? And that I'd be playing in it? Impossible."

Wiegman: "Lionesses will miss Jill Scott"

England manager Sarina Wiegman said the Lionesses will miss Scott's presence but insists the former midfielder still has plenty to offer the game in her days after professional football.

"I must congratulate Jill on a very special career," Wiegman said. "I am so glad she was able to end on such a positive memory. It will be hard to imagine an England squad without her as she has been an icon of the team for so long.

"I respect her decision, but we will miss her positive impact on and off of the pitch for sure. To be able to play at the highest level for so long tells you how good a player Jill has been, and her story is a positive example that others will continue to follow.

"She still has a huge amount to offer, so I hope she won't be lost to the women's game in the future - whatever that role may be. She is a very special person, and although it was only for a short period, I feel privileged to have had the chance to work with her."

Avignyan Mukhopadhyay

Avignyan Mukhopadhyay was a football writer at Sportz Point, where he provided insightful match analyses, tactical breakdowns, and in-depth coverage of the game. His passion for football and attention to detail brought engaging content to fans, making complex strategies and player performances easier to understand.

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