Toni Duggan: Former England forward announces retirement

Duggan’s journey began at Everton when she broke into the first team as a 16-year-old, and she would go on to represent Manchester City, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, before returning to Merseyside to finish her career.

She was a key player for England and says it was like “the Lionesses were born” after the 2015 Women’s World Cup, when they won bronze.

“Honestly, playing for England were the best days of my life. I just loved it. I loved travelling with the team and having the laughs we had,” said Duggan.

“I think I was [aware of my profile]. It grew. The catalyst for it was the Women’s World Cup in Canada. We’ve never really looked back since.

“I was so proud to be part of that team. We didn’t come away with the gold medal but we definitely changed the perception of women’s football.”

Since then, investment has grown and the Lionesses have delivered, winning Euro 2022 and reaching the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.

Duggan is proud her generation were “a part of all the firsts”.

“There is something special and nice about doing the ‘firsts’. Of course, we would have loved those opportunities, but I don’t look back with any regrets,” she said.

“The first time Nike decided to do a women’s football kit, the first time we sold out Wembley Stadium, the first time women played at Anfield and Goodison Park, the first time England won a bronze medal at a Women’s World Cup.

“There will be kids in the future who have much better experiences than I did. But that’s the way the world works – and hopefully one of those kids can be [my daughter] Luella.”

Duggan became one of the first high-profile English players to become a mother in March 2023, and received maternity pay from Everton.

She says returning from pregnancy to play in the Women’s Super League (WSL) for a year was one of her proudest moments.

“Just coming back from it all, going through pregnancy and coming back to being an elite footballer was difficult – but incredible as well,” said Duggan.

“To have Luella in the stands with me last year – she was only young and won’t remember it, but I certainly will. It was a great achievement and one I’m proud of.”