I won over 100 England caps and starred in a Women’s World Cup for England… now I’m a hero firefighter

FORMER England full-back Rachel Unitt is now a hero firefighter.

The retired defender won 102 caps for the Lionesses and starred at two Women’s World Cups during her career.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Rachel Unitt now works as a firefighter[/caption]

Getty

Rachel Unitt played for England at two Women’s World Cups[/caption]

After retiring in 2020, though, Unitt turned to a career as a firefighter with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue.

The role has even seen her work alongside fellow ex-England star Michelle Hickmott.

Unitt’s new job did not stop her revelling in last summer’s Euros triumph.

England won their first major trophy by beating Germany in the final on home soil.

Discussing the importance of the win, she told the BBC at the time: “I hope the win brings more girls into the beautiful game.”

The former Birmingham and Everton star added: “This momentous occasion will no doubt inspire so many little girls across the country who can now dream of ‘kicking it like Kirby’, as well as the lads who can ‘bend it like Beckham’.”

Unitt, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2017, played at five major tournaments for England.

Those included both the 2007 and 2011 World Cups as well as the Euros in 2009, when England reached the final.

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She was also named England’s International Player of the Year in 2004.

Unitt’s career also earned her a place in the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame in 2016.

The former left-back ended her glittering career three years ago, hanging up her boots in 2020.