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Casey Stoney has called time on her outstanding career as a player - and will immediately take up a new role as part of England's backroom staff.

The former England captain, 35, was awarded an MBE for her services to football in 2015 and during a glittering career, won 130 caps, was part of the squad that claimed a bronze medal at the 2015 Women's World Cup and skippered the Great Britain team at the 2012 London Olympics.

Her last game will be for Liverpool against Sunderland this week before linking up with Neville's staff next month at the SheBelieves Cup in the United States. She is the first appointment to Lionesses boss Phil Neville's coaching set-up.

Casey said: "I am hugely excited about starting my next chapter.

"Although I am sad to be hanging up my boots, I do so proud of what I have achieved and with great optimism about what the future holds for the women's game.

"I am thoroughly looking forward to working with Phil, who is an excellent choice to take the women's game forward.

"I talked to him at length before accepting the job and was hugely impressed with his vision, passion and eagerness to learn. I will be doing everything possible to support him alongside finishing my coaching badges."

The new England boss was quick to welcome Casey on board. Phil said: "Casey has been a wonderful player for England and I am delighted she will continue to help the team with her new position.

"She has tremendous knowledge of the game and will be invaluable in helping us to take the team up another level.

"From working with her already and seeing at first hand the hunger she has to pass on her experience, I am sure Casey will go on to have a coaching career that rivals what she did on the pitch."

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