Tributes are rolling in for England icon Ellen White after the striker announced her retirement from football. The 33-year-old is the Lionessesâ all-time top goalscorer and helped England win Euro 2022 this summer. White is a three-time England Player of the Year and made more than 100 international appearances in total. Having played for the likes of Notts County, Arsenal and most recently Man City, the forward won 10 domestic trophies during a career that spanned 17 years. Understandably, players and coaches, both past and present, have been quick to show their admiration for White. Here are some of the stars who have offered messages: SHOP OUR LEAH WILLIAMSON T-SHIRT TO CELEBRATE ENGLANDâS EURO 2022 WIN
âWe will miss herâ - Tributes come flooding inÂ
A number of Englandâs Euro 2022 squad shared their thoughts for their teammate on social media.
Arsenal forward Beth Mead, who won the Player of the Tournament at the Euros, described White as her âhero.â
"Words can't describe how proud & lucky I am to have called you a team-mate but also a friend. The biggest professional & goalscorer. The game didn't deserve you but you'll be missed greatly. @ellsbells89 my hero," she said.
Similarly, defender Rachel Daly wrote: "The absolute best of the best. Thank you, Ellen.
"You truly are (one) of a kind. I'm so excited for your future and so proud of everything you've achieved."
Lauren Hemp, who played alongside White for England and Man City, echoed the same thoughts.
âOne in a million,â she stressed. âIt has been an absolute pleasure to play alongside you. [We] will miss you Els.â
Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman was another to pay tribute, describing the forward as a âworld-classâ operator.
"Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her," she said.
"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, but I fully understand her decision to take a new direction."
England menâs captain Harry Kane also honoured his fellow striker.Â
âCongratulations on an amazing career @ellsbells89 and what a way to finish! A real inspiration for the next generation of Lionesses,â he wrote on social media.Â
Other former England heroes likewise emphasised their admiration. Gary Lineker tweeted: "A wonderful career and a fabulous goalscorer. Wish ellsbells89 all the very best with what comes next."