Casey Stoney is ending her long and illustrious playing career in order to assist Phil Neville in his new role managing the England women’s football team.

The former England captain, and holder of 130 senior caps, will become a key component of Neville’s backroom team as he aims to win the 2019 World Cup in France.

Now 35, Stoney will make an emotional farewell appearance for her club, Liverpool, at home to Sunderland in the Women’s Super League on Wednesday before flying to the United States with England to contest the She Believes Cup.

A prestigious friendly tournament, also involving the US, France and Germany, it will represent Neville’s debut in the England technical area following his controversial appointment as Mark Sampson’s successor.

Stoney, who captained the Great Britain team at the 2012 London Olympics, said she was “hugely excited” to have become the first coach appointed by Neville.

“Although I’m sad to be hanging up my boots, I do so proud of what I’ve achieved and with great optimism about what the future holds for the women’s game,” said Stoney. “I’m thoroughly looking forward to working with Phil, who is an excellent choice to take the women’s game forward.

“I talked to him at length before accepting the job and was hugely impressed with his vision, passion and eagerness to learn. I will be doing everything possible to support him alongside finishing my coaching badges.”

A recipient of an MBE in 2015, Stoney is already mentoring several current England players. Despite a combination of age and injuries recently reducing her international starting opportunities, she was regarded as an invaluable squad member by Sampson. Indeed Stoney proved an invaluable influence as England won a bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup in Canada and reached the semi-finals of Euro 2017 in the Netherlands.

Given Neville’s lack of managerial experience, she will be expected to offer the former Manchester United and England full-back considerable support.

During a career encompassing stints at Chelsea, Arsenal, Charlton, Lincoln and Liverpool Stoney won 12 major trophies, including four FA Cups but she describes being named as England captain by Hope Powell, Sampson’s predecessor, as “the moment that changed my life”.

It was during her tenure as national captain that, four years ago, Stoney spoke publicly about being gay for the first time. She said the decision to be open about her sexuality lifted a “huge weight’ from her shoulders.