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The England women’s national football team has experienced remarkable success in recent times, clinching the European Championships in both 2022 and 2025 and reaching the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. As a result, several key members of Sarina Wiegman’s squad are now making their mark in the record books, not just for silverware but also for their number of international appearances.

In March 2026, Lucy Bronze earned her 145th cap for England, overtaking Karen Carney to move into the top three for most appearances in the Lionesses’ history. Reflecting on this achievement, Bronze said, “I could never have imagined even getting to 100 caps, let alone surpassing someone like Karen Carney, who to me was a legend, someone I grew up admiring and one of my role models.” She described her inclusion among the Lionesses’ elite as “mind-blowing.” With her form showing no signs of slowing down, many are wondering just how far up the list Bronze can climb.

As for other stars in the current England setup, Bronze is the only active player currently inside the top 10 for appearances, but several teammates are quickly closing in. Alex Greenwood, with 107 caps, is on the verge of breaking into the top 10. Meanwhile, Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway are also on track to join that elite group soon—Walsh has 99 caps at age 28, while Stanway has 89 at 27. Lauren Hemp’s numbers are equally impressive; she has already made 74 appearances for her country at just 25 years old.

So, whose records are these players chasing, and how far are they from the leaders? Here’s a look at the Lionesses’ most capped players of all time.

10. Kelly Smith (117 caps)

Regarded by many as England’s greatest ever female footballer, Kelly Smith made her debut for the Lionesses in 1995 and enjoyed a stellar 19-year international career. The dynamic forward scored 46 goals before retiring from international football in 2014, holding the record as England’s all-time top scorer for the women’s team until Ellen White surpassed her in 2021. Smith remains second on that list and 10th in appearances, with 117 caps to her name.

9. Steph Houghton (121 caps)

Steph Houghton captained England for eight years and was a central figure in the team’s rise during the 2010s. She helped lead the Lionesses to a historic third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup and guided them to semi-finals at Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup. Houghton earned her final cap in 2021, ending her international journey with 121 appearances.

8. Gillian Coultard (125 caps)

The first woman ever to reach 100 caps for England, Gillian Coultard was a trailblazer in the women’s game and one of only five England players—men or women—to achieve that milestone at one point. The former captain made her debut in 1981 at just 18 years old and went on to collect 125 caps over 19 years, retiring from international football in 2000.

7. Rachel Yankey (129 caps)

Rachel Yankey’s international career spanned multiple generations of the Lionesses. Making her debut in 1997, she marked the occasion with a goal in a 4-0 victory over Scotland. Yankey became only the second Englishwoman after Coultard to reach 100 caps and retired with a total of 129, surpassing Peter Shilton’s then-record of 125 England appearances.

6. Casey Stoney (130 caps)

Casey Stoney’s England debut came in 2000, and over her 18-year international career, she witnessed immense transformation in the women’s game. Stoney was instrumental in England’s journey to the Euro 2009 final and later contributed to their semi-final runs at the 2015 World Cup and Euro 2017. She retired in 2018 after earning 130 caps.

5. Alex Scott (140 caps)

During her 13-year international career, Alex Scott accumulated an impressive 140 caps, ranking her fifth among England’s most capped players. A dependable right-back, Scott played key roles in England’s successful campaigns at Euro 2009, the 2015 World Cup, and Euro 2017. Lucy Bronze has often spoken of how the Arsenal legend’s influence pushed her to improve before taking over the position following Scott’s retirement.

4. Karen Carney (144 caps)

Karen Carney, one of the most naturally gifted players in England’s history, represented her country 144 times after debuting in 2005. She also scored 33 goals, placing her joint-seventh among England’s all-time women’s scorers. Her final major tournament was the 2019 World Cup, where England narrowly missed out on reaching the final.

3. Lucy Bronze (148 caps)

Lucy Bronze, currently the only active Lioness in the top 10, recently moved into third place by surpassing Carney’s total during England’s 2-0 victory over Iceland, a match in which she both scored and provided an assist. Since her debut in 2013, Bronze has been a mainstay at right-back, especially after Alex Scott’s retirement in 2017. She played a crucial role in England’s triumphs at Euro 2022 and 2025 and their run to the 2023 World Cup final. Her tally of 22 goals is particularly noteworthy given her defensive position.

2. Jill Scott (161 caps)

Jill Scott ended her 16-year international career on a high note in 2022 after helping England win their first major title. A vital part of the Euro 2022 triumph, Scott had earlier scored the decisive goal that sent England to the Euro 2009 final. She remains one of only two England players to have reached 150 international caps.

1. Fara Williams (172 caps)

Fara Williams’ incredible record of 172 caps has long seemed untouchable. Making her debut in 2001, the midfielder represented England until 2019. One of her most memorable moments came at the 2015 World Cup, when she scored the penalty that secured England’s first-ever win over Germany and third place in the tournament. Williams finished her international career with 40 goals, ranking fifth among England’s all-time scorers.

Could Lucy Bronze one day surpass Williams’ record? At 34 years of age, it would take a monumental effort from the defender, but given her consistency and determination, it might not be entirely out of reach.