England captain Kelly Smith retired from international football as the all-time leading goalscorer for the national side yesterday.

Smith called time on her 20-year career, scoring 46 goals, but will continue playing her club career with Arsenal.

She said: “Playing for England has been such an important part of my life for so long, but I feel now is the right time for me to retire from international football.

“I’m at a different stage in my life now, I am focusing on coaching and working my way up to get my licences and stay involved in football that way, along with playing for Arsenal.

“Women’s football has changed so much since I started playing and I am proud to have been a part of that. I’m pleased that I’ll still be working in the game and with the FA in its activities moving forwards.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me in my career, everyone at England and the FA, teammates, coaches, friends and family.

“This year will be massive for the women’s game with the World Cup coming up. There is a huge amount of talent in the England squad and I wish Mark )Sampson) and the team all the best for the tournament.”

England head coach Sampson heaped praise on his former captain, saying: “Kelly will be remembered as one of the iconic players in the history of the women’s international game.

“The term world-class is often overused but when looking back over Kelly’s international career she has consistently shown on the biggest stage she was without a doubt one of the greatest ever players.

“Her legacy is not only on the field but off it. There are thousands of young girls who would count Kelly as their inspiration as well as a number of our current senior squad would see Kelly as their role model. Her ability combined with her determination to win made her a fantastic role model for our current group of senior and youth players.”