Burnley Women confirm capture of former England international

Burnley Women have completed the eye-catching capture of former England international Rachel Williams

The 38-year-old striker has signed a one-year deal with the Clarets, who hold an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Capped 15 times by the Lionesses, Williams brings a wealth of experience to Jackie Bachteler’s squad ahead of their first ever WSL2 campaign.

“It’s exciting to be back up north now with a new challenge,” she said of her move.

“Burnley are a club that have been promoted, so it’s a first for both of us being in this league and I’m looking forward to it.

“Speaking to Jackie, I was really impressed with her and the club’s vision.

“Claudia Mummery-Walker’s a good mate of mine and women’s football’s a small world, so I know the likes of Charlie Wellings, Christie (Harrison-Murray), Deanna (Cooper) and Kirstie (Levell) too.

“It’s a little bit easier coming to a new club when you know people.”

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Williams joined her girlhood club Leicester at the age of 12, progressing right the way through their academy ranks before making her senior debut in 2004.

During her career she has represented seven different clubs in England’s top division, including spells at Doncaster Rovers Belles, Birmingham City and Chelsea.

It was with the Belles that the striker made her senior England debut against Iceland in July 2009, and Williams has netted four goals for the Lionesses.

Further international recognition came in 2012, when she was named in Hope Powell’s Great Britain squad for the Olympics.

The highlight of a four-year spell at Manchester United was arguably a goal in the 2024 Women’s FA Cup final as the Red Devils lifted their first ever major silverware.

Now 38, Williams spent the second half of last season back at Leicester City in the Women’s Super League.