England’s Carney to retire after Cup 3rd-place match

One of England’s longest-serving players will make her last appearance Saturday.

Karen Carney announced her retirement Friday, on the eve of England’s third-place playoff against Sweden at the Women’s World Cup.

“My mind still wants to do everything and it still can but I don’t think my body can anymore,” said the 31year-old Carney, who at times had tears in her eyes. “I think you’ve seen the level and the growth of the game, how fantastic it’s become and that’s a credit to everyone.

“My mind would want to continue ‘til I was 100 but at some point your body tells you enough is enough and I think I’ve got to that point.”

Carney has three substitute appearances at her fourth World Cup and the Chelsea midfielder could win her 144th cap for England against Sweden in Nice.

She is the second-most capped player for England, behind only Fara Williams who has played 170 times for the Lionesses.

Carney made her first-team debut for Birmingham City at the age of 14 and also played for Arsenal and the Chicago Red Stars. “The thing I’ll miss most is just kicking a ball,” said Carney, her voice cracking with emotion.

England coach Phil Neville sat next to Carney at the press conference and paid tribute to a player who didn’t even feature in his first few squads.

“I feel incredibly honored that in a short space of time I got to know one of our greatest players but more importantly what an amazing person and that makes me a lucky, lucky manager,” Neville said.