England’s Rachel Daly joins Aston Villa ahead of the new Women’s Super League season | Football News

Aston Villa Women have signed England international Rachel Daly.

Fresh from becoming a European champion with the Lionesses, Daly joins from National Women’s Soccer League team Houston Dash in the United States for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

The 30-year-old is returning to England, where she has spent spells playing for Leeds, Lincoln and West Ham.

Daly played as a left-back for Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman at this summer’s Euros, but has previously been used further up the pitch.

Manager Carla Ward said: “This is a big signing for us and one we’ve worked hard on completing. Rachel is a top forward and a proven goalscorer.

“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 begin their WSL season with a trip to Brighton on Sunday September 11.

Key dates for the 2022/23 season

• Barclays Women’s Championship opening weekend: August 20/21, 2022
• Barclays Women’s Super League opening weekend: September 10/11, 2022
• FA Women’s Continental League Cup final: March 4/5, 2023
• Barclays Women’s Championship final weekend: April 29/30, 2023
• Vitality Women’s FA Cup final: May 14, 2023
• Barclays Women’s Super League final weekend: May 27/28, 2023