Lucy Staniforth

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Lucy Staniforth
Lucy Staniforth 47986455561 James Boyes.jpg
Staniforth playing for England in 2019
Personal information
Full name Lucy Elizabeth Staniforth[1]
Date of birth (1992-10-02) 2 October 1992 (age 29)
Place of birth York, England[2]
Height 5 ft 5 in (1.66 m)[3]
Position(s) Attacking midfielder
Club information
Current team
 Manchester United
Number 37
Youth career
0000–2007 Blyth Town Ladies
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2007–2010 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– Manchester United 24 (2)
National team‡
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)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19 December 2021
‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 23 October 2021

Lucy Elizabeth Staniforth (born 2 October 1992) is an English footballer who plays as a central attacking midfielder for FA WSL team Manchester United[4] and the England national team.[5] She has been described by former England coach Mark Sampson as "one of the best young players in Europe".[6]

Club career[]

Sunderland[]

Staniforth in September 2010

Staniforth began playing for the Sunderland first team at the age of 16. 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[]

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[]

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.[7] 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 FA Women's 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[]

In February 2014, Staniforth joined reigning FA WSL champions Liverpool for a reported five-figure fee.[8][9][10] 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.[11] 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[]

In January 2016, Staniforth left Liverpool and returned to Sunderland on a two-year contract.[12]

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 FA Women's 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.[13] 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.[14] 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.[15][16]

Birmingham City[]

In 2018, she joined Birmingham City.[17] After two seasons, she left upon the expiry of her contract.[18]

Manchester United[]

On 9 July 2020, Staniforth signed a two-year deal with Manchester United.[19] She made her debut on 4 October as a 65th minute substitute in a 3–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.[20]

International career[]

Staniforth has represented England on the senior national team as well as numerous youth national teams.

Youth national teams, 2008–12[]

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.

Senior national team, 2018–[]

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.[21] 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.[22]

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

Personal life[]

Staniforth comes from a footballing family, where both her father and brother were professionals. Gordon Staniforth, her father, played for York City and Hull City, his hometown club, as well as a host of other clubs. Her brother, Tom, also played for Sheffield Wednesday but died at the age of 20. Throughout her career Lucy has worn the number 37 — Tom's old Sheffield Wednesday squad number. After hitting the first goal in Lincoln's 3–0 WSL win at Doncaster Rovers Belles, Lucy revealed a T-shirt paying tribute to Tom on the tenth anniversary of his death.[23][24]

Staniforth is openly lesbian.[25]

Career statistics[]

Club[]

As of 19 December 2021.[26]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sunderland 2008–09[27] WPL Northern 6 2 0 0 0 0 6 2
2009–10[28] 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 17 1
Total 11 0 0 0 6 1 17 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 FA WSL 14 0 2 1 2 0 18 1
2021–22 10 2 0 0 4 0 14 2
Total 24 2 2 1 6 0 32 3
Career total 156 18 16 9 37 11 209 38

International goals[]

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 [29]
2 5 March 2019 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, United States  Japan 1–0 3–0 2019 SheBelieves Cup [30]

Honours[]

Club[]

Sunderland

Bristol Academy[26]

Liverpool[26]

International[]

England

Individual[]

  • Sunderland Ladies Player of the Year: 2018[15]
  • Sunderland Ladies Team of the Decade XI: 2010s[32]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "List of Players under Written Contract Registered Between 01/07/2018 and 31/07/2018" (PDF). The Football Association. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  2. ^ Flett, Dave (4 September 2018). "York-born Lucy Staniforth set to make full England debut". The York Press.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ "Lucy Staniforth". Manchester United Women. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  5. ^ Association, The Football. "Lucy Staniforth: England profile". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Bristol Academy: Manager Mark Sampson sees squad ambition". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 January 2012.
  7. ^ "Staniforth is a Vixen". bristolacademywfc.co.uk. The Football Association. Archived from the original on 14 December 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  8. ^ "Academy boss landed job in Skype interview". Western Daily Press. Local World. Archived from the original on 26 February 2014. Retrieved 21 February 2014.
  9. ^ "England U23 midfielder Lucy Staniforth joins Liverpool". TheFA.com. The Football Association. 5 February 2014. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  10. ^ "Lucy Staniforth: Liverpool sign England Under-23 midfielder". BBC Sport. 5 February 2014. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  11. ^ "Staniforth suffers injury setback". Liverpool LFC. 26 February 2014. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
  12. ^ "Ladies capture Staniforth and Sjoman". Sunderland AFC. 21 January 2016. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  13. ^ "Lucy Staniforth Named Captain". Sunderland AFC. 13 July 2017. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 13 July 2017.
  14. ^ "FA Cup Magic". Sunderland AFC. 5 February 2018. Archived from the original on 6 February 2018. Retrieved 5 February 2018.
  15. ^ a b Chamberlain, Oscar (26 April 2018). "Supporters hold annual event - SAFC". Sunderland AFC.
  16. ^ "The Telegraph Goal of the Year". The Football Association. 25 May 2018. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  17. ^ "Lucy Staniforth: Birmingham City Women sign Sunderland captain". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
  18. ^ "Lucy Staniforth and Chloe Arthur to leave Blues Women". Birmingham City FC.
  19. ^ "United Women sign Lucy Staniforth". ManUtd.com. Manchester United. 9 July 2020. Retrieved 10 July 2020.
  20. ^ "Manchester United 3 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 match report 4 October 2020". www.manutd.com.
  21. ^ "Kazakhstan Women's 0-6 England Women's". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  22. ^ "Japan Women 0-3 England Women: Lionesses win SheBelieves Cup". BBC Sport. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  23. ^ "Footballer Lucy Staniforth pays tribute to late brother, Tom Staniforth". York Press.
  24. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 6 June 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  25. ^ "Meet the 41 out gay and bi soccer stars in the Women's World Cup 2019". Gay Star News. 26 June 2019. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
  26. ^ a b c "L. Staniforth". Soccerway. Retrieved 13 July 2019.
  27. ^ "Lucy Staniforth – Player Stats 2008–09". thefa.com. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  28. ^ "Lucy Staniforth – Player Stats 2009–10". thefa.com. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  29. ^ Whalley, Mike (4 September 2018). "Kazakhstan 0-6 England - Women's World Cup qualifier". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  30. ^ Wrack, Suzanne (6 March 2019). "England outclass Japan to lift SheBelieves Cup for first time". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  31. ^ "England record statement win over Japan to clinch prestigious SheBelieves Cup". The Football Association. 5 March 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2019.
  32. ^ @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.

Further reading[]

  • Aluko, Eniola (2019), They Don't Teach This, Random House, ISBN 9781473564480
  • Caudwell, Jayne (2013), Women's Football in the UK: Continuing with Gender Analyses, Taylor & Francis, ISBN 9781317966234
  • Dunn, Carrie (2019), Pride of the Lionesses: The Changing Face of Women's Football in England, Pitch Publishing (Brighton) Limited, ISBN 9781785315411
  • Dunn, Carrie (2016), The Roar of the Lionesses: Women's Football in England, Pitch Publishing Limited, ISBN 9781785311512
  • Grainey, Timothy (2012), Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer, University of Nebraska Press, ISBN 0803240368

External links[]

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