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England star forward Rachel Daly will look to inspire Aston Villa to their first ever Women’s FA Cup final this afternoon.
The Villans, who have enjoyed a successful season under Carla Ward, go head-to-head with holders Chelsea for a place in the Wembley showpiece in May.
Daly, 31, has scored an impressive 21 goals for the Women’s Super League’s fifth-placed side in her first season since returning to England from Houston Dash last summer.
Ahead of the semi-final clash at the Bescot Stadium, we turn the spotlight on the versatile Lioness.
Statement signing
Ambitious Villa turned plenty of heads when they announced the capture of Daly just weeks after she played an integral role in England’s triumphant European Championship campaign.
With the experienced ace starting all six of the Lionesses’ games at left-back, her stock was certainly high.
So to join Villa — who were about to begin only their third WSL season — was a big shock.
Boss Ward said of the marquee signing: “I think that was probably quite important, just to have that sort of impact.
“If she goes to a top club, might she just be another player? Whereas if she comes to a club like ours, she can make a real difference in helping us move forward.
“It shows the type of person she is. She didn’t just go to a big club for big money. She wanted to really come and be part of something special.”
Firing as a No9
The role Daly played for Sarina Wiegman’s side last summer is much different to the one she is currently thriving in for the Villans.
She made the unorthodox switch from left-back for the Lionesses to deadly No9 for her club and it has proved an inspired decision.
Becoming an instant talisman, only Manchester City’s Khadija Shaw (16) has scored more than Daly’s 13 in the WSL this term to help her side reach the lofty heights of fifth.
She also scored the winning goal in extra-time to dump City out of the FA Cup quarter-finals, which saw Villa reach the final four of the competition for the first time.
A dream team-mate
With Daly exhibiting her ruthless scoring ability week after week in 2022-23, team-mate Alisha Lehmann exclusively revealed to LiveScore how much of an impact Daly has in the dressing room as well as out on the field.
The Swiss international said: “It’s amazing. She’s an amazing player and an amazing person.
“I love playing with her because sometimes you just put a ball in the box and she will score.
“I learn a lot from her, on the pitch and off the pitch because she’s a really smart girl.
“She’s a scoring machine! She’s really smart as a player and it’s so easy to play with her.”
England battle
Daly’s superb exploits in the WSL have forced Wiegman into a re-think as to how she is deployed for the national side.
With Lionesses legend Ellen White now retired, Daly looks to be battling with Alessia Russo for a starting spot up front at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand later this year.
It appears the Manchester United striker currently holds the cards, having started in both England’s Finalissima triumph over Brazil and defeat to Australia during the recent international break.
But with Daly having scored twice in her last England start against Italy, as well as netting a penalty in the shootout against Brazil, she is certainly knocking on the door.
Firing Villa to their highest-ever league finish as well as potential cup glory could convince Wiegman that Daly is the right choice to lead the line for the Lionesses Down Under.
