Rachel Daly: England Euro 2022 winner joins Aston Villa from Houston Dash and will play as a striker for WSL side

Aston Villa have signed Euro 2022 winner Rachel Daly on a three-year deal ahead of the new Women’s Super League season. Daly started every Euros match at left-back for England’s Lionesses, but the versatile 30-year-old is capable of playing further up-field. Ad She joins Villa for an undisclosed fee from Houston Dash, where she played for seven years – which included a brief loan spell at West Ham during the National Women's Soccer League off-season.

TransfersWerner secures RB Leipzig return from Chelsea on permanent deal2 HOURS AGO The Harrogate-born player has previously played for Leeds United and Lincoln Ladies in England, while she made her Lionesses debut back in 2016. Aston Villa manager Carla Ward believes Daly will be a threat up front, despite her role with England at the Euros, with the player scoring 42 goals in all competitions for Houston Dash. “This is a big signing for us and one we’ve worked hard on completing.

Rachel is a top forward and a proven goalscorer,” said Ward. England fourth in world rankings after first major trophy win at Euro 2022 Four England stars selected in Euro 2022 Team of the Tournament England stars given heroes’ reception in Trafalgar Square “Having performed admirably at full-back this summer, she showed us that she is a player you simply need in your team." “But for us, she is a forward and we can’t wait to see her scoring goals." Aston Villa start their WSL season at Brighton on Sunday, September 11. Meanwhile, Daly said her memories at Houston will “last a lifetime”.

«My time in Houston has been a journey. Not many people can say they have played at the same club for seven years. I am honoured to have worn orange for that length of time,” Daly said.