Powell and Wiegman hail ‘selfless’ England heroine White as football aces praise player after her retirement

HOPE POWELL and Sarina Wiegman paid moving tributes to Ellen White after the England star announced her retirement earlier today.

The Manchester City ace – who is the Lionesses’ all-time top scorer – called time on her career at 33 following her Euros-winning heroics.

The striker scored 52 times in 113 appearances in an England shirt before bringing the curtain down on her illustrious spell as a pro.

And her final international goals were a brace in a record-breaking 8-0 demolition of Norway at this year’s European Championship.

The result in the group stages is the biggest victory in the tournament to date with the team later winning the contest at Wembley on July 31.

England boss Wiegman, who guided White and the team to Euros glory, said: “Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her.

“I have only had the pleasure of working with her for this past year, but her professionalism, work rate and finishing ability is world-class. 

“This summer, she did an amazing job for the team, she is the perfect team player and helped the younger players to find their way in international football.

“I already knew she was a great player, but I found an even better person. We will miss her.”

Brighton head coach Powell, who managed England from 1998 to 2013, gave White her senior international debut in March 2010.

The striker netted the final goal in a 3-0 friendly home defeat of Austria.

And Powell hopes the Lionesses' record scorer will play a role in the ongoing development of the women’s game.

The Seagulls gaffer, 55, said: “Ellen has had such a wonderful career.

"I'm proud of the small part I played when I gave Ellen her first England cap back in 2010 when she scored in our win over Austria. 

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“I have worked with few players as selfless and dedicated as Ellen.

"Those qualities and many others helped her give so much to the game both at the international and domestic level and maintain such high standards. 

“I was delighted like the rest of the country when the Lionesses won the Euros last month but especially for Ellen.

"It was a fitting way for her to sign off by helping England make history. 

“I hope she continues to play a part in the development of the women's game.

“She has so much to offer because of her experience and her qualities as a person.

“Whatever she does I'm sure she'll be a success and I wish her all the best for the future.”

Football stars who hailed White include Euros Golden Boot winner Beth Mead who said her team-mate will be “missed greatly”.

USA icon Carli Lloyd and Real Madrid and Scotland ace Caroline Weir were also among the high-profile figures who applauded White’s achievements.

Football chiefs have announced plans to honour the striker, who has played in three Euros and three World Cups, at the Lionesses’ home fixtures this autumn.

White was part of the squad that reached the World Cup semis in 2015 and 2019 with the team winning a bronze medal at the tournament seven years ago.

FA women’s football director Baroness Sue Campbell said: "Ellen will long be remembered as a model for others to follow.

"It is not just about her record-breaking 52 goals and performances on the pitch, but about the standards she set and the way she conducts herself.”

White began her journey as a youth player playing at Arsenal in 1997, before leaving to join Chelsea at 16 in 2005.

The forward returned to the Gunners for three years in 2010, after two seasons at Leeds, and later played for Notts County and Birmingham before joining Manchester City in 2019.

White’s major trophy wins at club level include three top-flight titles and three FA Cups and three league cups.

In March she bagged Man City’s second goal in their 3-1 Conti Cup final defeat of Chelsea.

In her retirement message, the WSL icon said: “It has been a huge honour to have represented some of the biggest clubs in England and to have worn the shirt and created some unbelievable memories.

“Thank you to all the clubs that have given me the opportunity to be a part of your football side.”