England keeper Rachel Brown-Finnis calls time on career

England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis is retiring from all football after an 18-year international career.

Brown-Finnis, 34, has made 82 appearances for England since her debut aged 16 against Germany in 1997.

She played in the Euro 2009 Final against Germany, the 2005 Euros and played at two World Cups.

She started her career at Accrington Stanley and had spells with Liverpool, Alabama Crimson Tide and Pittsburgh Panthers in America. She has been with FA WSL side Everton since 2003.

In 2007, she was selected to be part of a FIFA All-Star team that played an exhibition match against World Cup hosts China. She was also part of the Team GB squad at the London 2012 Olympics.

Brown-Finnis said: “Retiring from football is one of the hardest decisions that I’ve ever had to make but looking ahead to this season, I didn’t think my body could take the strains of goalkeeping for another year.

“I’ve been playing football for senior football for more than 20 years and at 34, I know now is the right time for me to end my playing career. The game has grown so much during my time and I’m proud to have been part of that change.

“I’d like to thank everyone that I’ve played and worked with throughout my career including Kelly Simmons, Hope Powell, Keith Rees, Marieanne Spacey, Lee Kendall and Mark Sampson. 

"I’d also like to thank my family who have been amazing, inspirational and unconditionally supportive throughout my career. I owe them so much.

“I know I’m leaving the England team and women’s football in general in a really healthy place. England are in a great position to do well this year and it has been a pleasure working with Mark, Lee and Marieanne and seeing all the positive progression that is happening following the infrastructure that Hope and her team put in place.

“Football has allowed me to have such great experiences, travel the world and really defined me as a person on and on the pitch.  

"I will miss playing and it is, of course, a hugely emotional decision to retire, but I am really looking forward to what the future has in store for me. I know I’ll stay involved in football for many years to come.”

England Women assistant coach Marieanne Spacey, who also played with Brown-Finnis, said: “Rachel has served both club and country with pride and commitment in a long and outstanding international and domestic career.

“A true professional who has and will continue to be a superb role model and ambassador for the game, especially for young goalkeepers who will aspire to emulate the career Rachel has had.

“Having played alongside and against Rachel, I am more than aware of her drive and willingness to be the best and these, I am sure, are qualities that Rachel will take into the next stage of her career.

“We all wish her the very best for the future.”

FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: “I would like to congratulate Rachel on her fantastic career for club and country. 

"In particular, to have won 82 caps for England is a fine achievement. 

"I know she has been a popular figure around the squad and has been a great ambassador for the women’s game for many years. 

"On behalf of everyone at The FA, I would like to wish Rachel all the best for the future.”

Kelly Simmons, FA head of national game and women’s football, said: "Rachel has made a huge contribution to women's football on and off the pitch throughout her career and her undoubted talent and professionalism has been invaluable to England over the years.

"There's no doubt that women's football has changed a huge amount since Rachel began playing in 1997 and I know the personal sacrifices many players made to represent their country. Rachel was very proud to play for England and very committed.

"We would like to thank Rachel for all of her service and dedication to England over the years. I would personally like to wish her every success for her future and I know she will continue to be a fantastic ambassador for the women's game."