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Lucy Staniforth

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Lucy Staniforth
Staniforth playing for England in 2019
Personal information
Birth name Lucy Elizabeth Staniforth
Date of birth (1992-10-02) 2 October 1992 (age 32)
Place of birth York, England
Height 5 ft 5 in (1.66 m)[1]
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Aston Villa
Number 5
Youth career
2004–2007 Blyth Town
2006–2008 Sunderland
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2008–2010 Sunderland 24 (2)
2010–2012 Lincoln Ladies 28 (6)
2012–2014 Bristol Academy 3 (1)
2014–2015 Liverpool 11 (0)
2016–2018 Sunderland 37 (4)
2018–2020 Birmingham City 29 (3)
2020–2023 Manchester United 30 (2)
2023– Aston Villa 29 (1)
International career‡
2008–2009 England U17 8 (1)
2009–2010 England U19 12 (2)
2010 England U20 2 (0)
2012–2015 England U23 6 (1)
2018– England 17 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 4 November 2024
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 23 October 2021

Lucy Elizabeth Staniforth-Wilson (née Staniforth; born 2 October 1992) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Women's Super League club Aston Villa and the England women's national team.

Early and personal life

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Lucy Elizabeth Staniforth[2] was born on 2 October 1992 in York to Sandra and Gordon Staniforth.[1][3] She had a footballing family: her father was an attacker who played for York City and Hull City, his hometown club, as well as a host of other clubs,[4] and her brother, Thomas, older by twelve years,[5] was a defender for Sheffield Wednesday's reserve and youth sides.[4][6] Despite this, she credits a primary school PE teacher who was particularly encouraging of the girls to try football for getting her into the sport; she played for her school team and the Copmanthorpe boys' team in York.[5] Thomas died suddenly at the age of 20 in 2001,[6] prompting the family to move to Alnwick in Northumberland shortly afterwards.[4]

Staniforth joined the local school on the same day as future teammate Lucy Bronze, with their houses backing onto each others'. They quickly became friends[7] and played for club and school together; Bronze's mother was a teacher at the local high school, with Staniforth and Bronze allowed to play for the Sixth Form team even when in middle school.[5] The pair attended the Duchess's Community High School together,[8] continuing to play in the team there, with Staniforth later remarking that it was funny how they were so small playing with older students and that "the other schools must have thought [they] were in sixth form for about six years".[5]

During her career, Staniforth has worn the number 37, Thomas' squad number with Sheffield Wednesday. She played a match with Lincoln Ladies on the tenth anniversary of his death, scoring the first goal in their 3–0 victory, and revealed a t-shirt paying tribute to Tom as her celebration.[9][10]

She is openly lesbian[11] and married her wife, Laura, in December 2022.[12] Bronze and other youth team friends Jordan Nobbs and Demi Stokes were among Staniforth's bridesmaids, though a UEFA Women's Champions League match was scheduled on the same day.[13] In March 2023 she had recently completed a master's degree in football directorship, saying she intended to work for and make successful the Newcastle women's team in the future.[4]

Club career

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Sunderland

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Youth, 2006–07

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Upon moving to Alnwick, Staniforth was too old to continue playing with boys, and her parents were unaware of other opportunities in the area. They were advised to speak with Diane Bronze, a neighbour and advocate for girls' football; Diane suggested Staniforth join Blyth Town's girls' side with her daughter, Lucy Bronze, which she did in about 2004.[4][5] Blyth Town was impressively organised and gave many opportunities to the girls' team at the time, including sending them on a pre-season tour of the United States.[5] While in high school, Bronze, a year older than Staniforth, joined Sunderland; despite being a fan of rivals Newcastle United and only fourteen, Staniforth also joined the club, saying that she mostly copied whatever Bronze did.[4][5]

First senior stint, 2008–10

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Staniforth in September 2010

From the moment they joined Sunderland, the teenagers were aiming for the first team, which Staniforth began playing for at the age of sixteen.[5] During her early formative years at the club, Staniforth played with players she described as "pivotal in paving the way towards England becoming a top side"; as well as Bronze, Nobbs, and Stokes, this included Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Carly Telford.[4] In her first season in senior football, she was instrumental in helping Sunderland win the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division and reach the 2009 FA Women's Cup final, where they were beaten 2–1 by Arsenal. The following season, Staniforth figured prominently as a key player in Sunderland's success as they finished fifth in their first season back at the top level.

Lincoln Ladies

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Upon Sunderland's failed bid to join the FA WSL in 2010, Staniforth joined successful applicant, Lincoln Ladies. She started every game in her first season at the club, netting three times. The most notable of her goals in her first season in the Women's Super League came in the away fixture at Doncaster Belles. Staniforth helped her side reach fourth place in the league.

In the 2012 season, Staniforth bettered her goalscoring tally substantially, scoring on a further 6 occasions in all competitions. In the two ultimate games of the season, she scored winning goals for Lincoln: an extravagant lob from 35 yards against Everton Ladies, and against Chelsea Ladies, lifting the side to fifth in the table.

Bristol City

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In December 2012, it was announced that Staniforth would be joining Bristol Academy, against whom she had scored twice in the preceding 2012 FA WSL season.[14] Staniforth scored her first goal for the club in the home fixture against Doncaster Rovers Belles, with a 22-yard drive. In her first season at the Stoke Gifford Stadium, Staniforth reached the second Women's FA Cup final of her career. During the match she suffered a serious knee injury and was stretchered off. After only a short time at the club, Staniforth subsequently spent the remainder of the season sidelined, with plans to return in time for the 2014 season. Bristol ended the season runners-up, losing 2–0 on the final day of the season to champions Liverpool.

Liverpool

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In February 2014, Staniforth joined reigning FA WSL champions Liverpool for a reported five-figure fee.[15][16][17] Staniforth sustained an injury during pre-season, this time to the anterior cruciate ligament in her other leg, which put her out of action for the entirety of the 2014 season.[18] Despite Staniforth's injury, which ruled her out for the entire season, Liverpool went on to win the FA WSL title for the second consecutive year.

Return to Sunderland

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In January 2016, Staniforth left Liverpool and returned to Sunderland on a two-year contract.[19]

At the beginning of the 2017 season, Lucy was awarded penalty-taking responsibilities for her club. In both the fifth and sixth round of the Women's FA Cup, against Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively, Staniforth scored from the penalty spot. She then scored on two further occasions in the league, from the spot against her old club Bristol City and directly from a corner against Yeovil Town with the outside of her foot.

Following Steph Bannon's departure from the club, Staniforth was named club captain of Sunderland in July 2017.[20] Staniforth's rich vein of form continued into the 2018 season, scoring against both Sheffield and Liverpool and netting a brace against Aston Villa. In the Fourth Round of the FA Cup against Brighouse Town L.F.C, Lucy scored a second half hat-trick – the first hat-trick of her senior career.[21] In Staniforth's inaugural season as captain, she was awarded Player of the Season for her club and nominated for Goal of the Season at the FAWSL Awards.[22][23]

Birmingham City

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In 2018, she joined Birmingham City.[24] After two seasons, she left upon the expiry of her contract.[25]

Manchester United

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On 9 July 2020, Staniforth signed a two-year deal with Manchester United.[26] She made her debut on 4 October as a 65th-minute substitute in a 3–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.[27] On 1 August 2022, Staniforth signed a one-year contract extension until the end of the 2022–23 season.[28]

Aston Villa

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On 9 January 2023, Staniforth signed for fellow WSL team Aston Villa on a free transfer following the termination of her Manchester United contract.[29] She joined the rapidly-improving team after having struggled for playing time at Manchester United, and moved into a deeper midfield role, being key in Aston Villa reaching fifth in the league behind the big four.[4]

International career

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Youth

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She featured for England in their fourth-place finish at the 2008 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in New Zealand, scoring an excellent goal against Japan in the quarter final.

In July 2009 Staniforth competed at the 2009 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship in Belarus, which England won. In her time with the U-19s, she scored twice. In 2010 Staniforth helped England reach the final of the 2010 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship in FYR Macedonia, where they lost their title to France. Later that summer Staniforth played in two of England's games at the 2010 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Germany. Staniforth subsequently joined the ranks of the U-23s, making her debut against Norway in February 2012. Staniforth scored an impressive 25-yard drive in the first game of the Under-23 Four Nations La Manga Tournament, helping her team beat Sweden 2–0.

In 2012 she was described by former England coach Mark Sampson as "one of the best young players in Europe".[30]

Senior

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Staniforth during a match against New Zealand, June 2019

Staniforth earned her first call up to the senior England squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying match against Russia at Sapsan Arena in Moscow on 8 June 2018. She gained her first cap on 4 September 2018 in a 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying match against Kazakhstan, scoring on her debut in the 66th minute.[31] Staniforth scored the opening goal in the ultimate game of the 2019 SheBelieves Cup, helping the Lionesses beat Japan 3–0 and win the international tournament for the first time.[32]

On 8 May 2019, Staniforth was called up to the England 23-player squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.[33]

Staniforth was the 208th player to represent the England women's team, with this given as her legacy number by FA to honour the teams' 50th anniversary.[34][35]

Staniforth was included in England's 28-player preliminary squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2022,[36] but was not selected for the final squad.[37] The following year, she was a late addition to the standby list for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, replacing the injured Jess Park.[38]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of 5 October 2024.[39]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sunderland 2008–09[40] WPL Northern 6 2 0 0 0 0 — 6 2
2009–10[41] WPL National 18 0 0 0 2 1 — 20 1
Total 24 2 0 0 2 1 — 26 3
Lincoln Ladies 2011 FA WSL 14 3 1 0 0 0 — 15 3
2012 14 3 1 0 4 2 — 19 5
Total 28 6 2 0 4 2 — 34 8
Bristol Academy 2013 FA WSL 3 1 2 0 3 0 — 8 1
Liverpool 2014 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2015 11 0 0 0 6 1 2 0 19 1
Total 11 0 0 0 6 1 2 0 19 1
Sunderland 2016 FA WSL 12 0 3 0 1 0 — 16 0
2017 8 1 2 2 — — 10 3
2017–18 17 3 2 4 5 3 — 24 10
Total 37 4 7 6 6 3 — 50 13
Birmingham City 2018–19 FA WSL 19 2 1 0 6 2 — 26 4
2019–20 10 1 2 2 4 2 — 16 5
Total 29 3 3 2 10 4 — 42 9
Manchester United 2020–21 WSL 14 0 2 1 2 0 — 18 1
2021–22 12 2 0 0 4 0 — 16 2
2022–23 4 0 0 0 3 0 — 7 0
Total 30 2 2 1 9 0 — 41 3
Aston Villa 2022–23 WSL 13 1 4 0 0 0 — 17 1
2023–24 11 0 1 0 3 0 — 15 0
2024–25 3 0 0 0 1 0 — 4 0
Total 27 1 5 0 4 0 — 36 1
Career total 189 19 21 9 44 11 2 0 256 39

International goals

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As of match played 6 June 2019. England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Staniforth goal.
International goals by date, venue, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 4 September 2018 Ortaliq Stadion, Pavlodar, Kazakhstan  Kazakhstan 4–0 6–0 2019 FIFA World Cup qualification [42]
2 5 March 2019 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, United States  Japan 1–0 3–0 2019 SheBelieves Cup [43]

Honours

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Sunderland

Bristol Academy[39]

Liverpool[39]

England

Individual

  • Sunderland Ladies Player of the Year: 2018[22]
  • Sunderland Ladies Team of the Decade XI: 2010s[45]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019™ List of Players – England" (PDF). FIFA. 27 May 2019. p. 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 June 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  2. ^ "List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/07/2018 and 31/07/2018". The Football Association. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  3. ^ Flett, Dave (4 September 2018). "York-born Lucy Staniforth set to make full England debut". The York Press.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h Taylor, Louise (31 March 2023). "Aston Villa's Lucy Staniforth: 'I'd be lying if I said I'm not thinking about the World Cup'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h "From grassroots football to representing England with your best mate". The FA. 19 January 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Ex-City player's soccer son dies". York Press. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  7. ^ "Jill Scott's Coffee Club – Series finale: Lucy Staniforth, Thierry Henry & proposals". BBC Sounds. 15 June 2022. 00:09:55–00:10:30
  8. ^ "Alnwick school is glowing with pride at heroics of Lucy Bronze and Lucy Staniforth". Northumberland Gazette. 3 July 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  9. ^ "Footballer Lucy Staniforth pays tribute to late brother, Tom Staniforth". York Press.
  10. ^ "Lucy Staniforth leads the way for Lincoln Ladies". This is Lincolnshire. Archived from the original on 6 June 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
  11. ^ "Meet the 41 out gay and bi soccer stars in the Women's World Cup 2019". Gay Star News. 26 June 2019. Archived from the original on 9 August 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  12. ^ Staniforth-Wilson, Laura [@lauranwilson_] (11 January 2023). "22.12.22 to forever x" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 January 2023 – via Twitter.
  13. ^ "Jill Scott's Coffee Club – Series finale: Lucy Staniforth, Thierry Henry & proposals". BBC Sounds. 15 June 2022. 00:16:30–00:17:00
  14. ^ "Staniforth is a Vixen". bristolacademywfc.co.uk. The Football Association. Archived from the original on 14 December 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  15. ^ "Academy boss landed job in Skype interview". Western Daily Press. Local World. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  16. ^ "England U23 midfielder Lucy Staniforth joins Liverpool". TheFA.com. The Football Association. 5 February 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  17. ^ "Lucy Staniforth: Liverpool sign England Under-23 midfielder". BBC Sport. 5 February 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Staniforth suffers injury setback". Liverpool LFC. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  19. ^ "Ladies capture Staniforth and Sjoman". Sunderland AFC. 21 January 2016. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  20. ^ "Lucy Staniforth Named Captain". Sunderland AFC. 13 July 2017. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  21. ^ "FA Cup Magic". Sunderland AFC. 5 February 2018. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  22. ^ a b Chamberlain, Oscar (26 April 2018). "Supporters hold annual event – SAFC". Sunderland AFC.
  23. ^ "The Telegraph Goal of the Year". The Football Association. 25 May 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  24. ^ "Lucy Staniforth: Birmingham City Women sign Sunderland captain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  25. ^ "Lucy Staniforth and Chloe Arthur to leave Blues Women". Birmingham City FC. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  26. ^ "United Women sign Lucy Staniforth". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  27. ^ "Manchester United 3 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 match report 4 October 2020". ManUtd.com.
  28. ^ "Lucy Staniforth signs contract extension". ManUtd.com.
  29. ^ "Lucy Staniforth joins Aston Villa Women!". Aston Villa FC. 9 January 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  30. ^ "Bristol Academy: Manager Mark Sampson sees squad ambition". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  31. ^ "Kazakhstan Women's 0–6 England Women's". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  32. ^ "Japan Women 0–3 England Women: Lionesses win SheBelieves Cup". BBC Sport. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  33. ^ Gerty, David (31 May 2023). "England squad named for 2023 World Cup". The FA. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  34. ^ "Legacy numbers introduced for England women's team". BBC Sport. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  35. ^ "England player legacy and results archive". englandfootball.com. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  36. ^ "Women's Euros 2022: England name Steph Houghton in provisional squad". BBC Sport. 17 May 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  37. ^ "Steph Houghton: Former England captain left out of squad for women's Euros". BBC Sport. 15 June 2022. Retrieved 9 July 2023.
  38. ^ "Lucy Staniforth added to World Cup squad standby list". englandfootball.com. 27 June 2023.
  39. ^ a b c "L. Staniforth". Soccerway. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  40. ^ "Lucy Staniforth – Player Stats 2008–09". thefa.com. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  41. ^ "Lucy Staniforth – Player Stats 2009–10". thefa.com. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  42. ^ Whalley, Mike (4 September 2018). "Kazakhstan 0–6 England – Women's World Cup qualifier". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  43. ^ Wrack, Suzanne (6 March 2019). "England outclass Japan to lift SheBelieves Cup for first time". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  44. ^ "England record statement win over Japan to clinch prestigious SheBelieves Cup". The Football Association. 5 March 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  45. ^ @SAFCLadies (29 December 2019). "Taking top spot in today's vote, and her place in the decade's best XI, is @lucystan37! Congratulations, Lucy! #SAFCLadies #HawayTheLasses #OneClubOurClub" (Tweet). Retrieved 10 July 2020 – via Twitter.
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