Ellen White admitted her football "dreams came true" in winning Euro 2022 after announcing her retirement.
The Lionesses' record scorer has hung up her boots aged 33, with 52 goals in 113 caps.
The Manchester City striker branded forging a professional career her "greatest honour", insisting it was the right time to call it quits.
White revealed she had agonised over retiring, but eventually felt England's glittering summer would prove the ideal time to bow out.
"This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but one that I know is the right decision for me," said White.
"This decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine.
"It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this game. In particular playing for England has and always will be the greatest gift.
"My dreams came true on July 31, winning the Euros and becoming a European Champion."
White came through Arsenal's academy but made her name at Chelsea, spending three years in the Blues' senior ranks before heading to Leeds.
After returning to Arsenal, stints at Notts County, Birmingham and Manchester City all followed.
Thank You Football… pic.twitter.com/WmeDGeX9zT
— Ellen White (@ellsbells89) August 22, 2022
The Lionesses have been determined to capitalise on their success to force change at every sporting level, to boost sporting opportunities for girls and women.
And White urged future England hopefuls never to lose sight of their dreams.
"This is for the next generation and potentially the next Lioness," said White.
"You don't have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true, just look at me.
"Hard work, dedication, passion and love for what you do are a great recipe. Don't ever let someone tell you 'you can't do something or achieve your dreams'.
"I was once told I couldn't play in the boys' team and I would never play for England. Now I am retiring having made 113 caps with 52 goals for England and a European Champion.
"Finally, let's use the momentum from the Euros win to make sure that every young person in all communities has the opportunity to play and feel connected to all England football teams."
She hangs up her boots on 52 England goals, one shy of Wayne Rooney's record for all senior England teams and Beth Mead, who won the golden boot and player of the tournament trophies at Euro 2022, took to Twitter to describe White as her "hero" once the announcement had been made.
"Words can’t describe how proud & lucky I am to have called you a team mate but also a friend. The biggest professional & goal scorer. The game didn’t deserve you but you’ll be missed greatly. @ellsbells89 my hero," Mead wrote.
Fellow Euro 2022 winner Rachel Daly was also quick to praise White’s contribution to the game, tweeting: "The absolute best of the best. Thank you, Ellen. You truly are (one) of a kind. I’m so excited for your future and so proud of everything you’ve achieved."
Caroline Weir, a former City team-mate of White whose goal for Real Madrid sent the Blues crashing out of the Champions League qualifiers, simply posted: "Legend."
Figures from the England men’s team also weighed in with their praise for White, with captain Harry Kane leading the plaudits.
"Congratulations on an amazing career @ellsbells89 and what a way to finish! A real inspiration for the next generation of @Lionesses," he wrote, while Gary Lineker added: "A wonderful career and a fabulous goal scorer. Wish @ellsbells89 all the very best with what comes next."
