England midfielder Carney to retire after Women's World Cup

Karen Carney will call time on her playing career following England's third-place play-off against Sweden in the Women's World Cup.

Carney has featured in three of England's World Cup matches in France, although she is yet to start heading into the Lionesses' final match.

And the 31-year-old playmaker, who scored one goal in 14 WSL matches for Chelsea last term, has now confirmed she will be retiring following Saturday's match in Nice.

"I am incredibly proud to have achieved so much in the game but now is definitely the right time to retire," Carney, who won 143 full international caps and scored 32 goals, said in a statement released via the Football Association's official website.

"To have played for England was my ultimate ambition and to do so at four World Cups and represent Team GB at a home Olympics was beyond the wildest dreams I had when first starting out.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has made this all possible, from my family and friends, everyone I have played for and worked with and, of course, the England squad and staff. I owe everything I have to all of them."

Goodbye to a @Lionesses legend @karenjcarney, our second-most-capped international, will hang up her boots after Saturday's @FIFAWWC third-place play-off: https://t.co/1rofCZwro9

— England (@England) July 5, 2019

Having started at Birmingham City - where she returned later in her career - Carney also enjoyed spells at Arsenal and Chicago Red Stars.

England coach Phil Neville said: "Karen deserves all the plaudits that will come her way.

"It's been a privilege to work with her over the past 18 months but even more special has been the chance to get to know someone who is an incredible person and a special team-mate.

"While she will not want a fuss, Karen is someone who deserves total recognition and respect as a true legend of the game."