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Jill Scott (footballer)
Jill Scott (footballer)
Jill Scott (footballer)
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Jill Louise Scott MBE (born 2 February 1987) is an English former professional footballer who played as a midfielder.[3] The FIFA technical report into the 2011 Women's World Cup described Scott as one of England's four outstanding players; "[an] energetic, ball-winning midfielder who organises the team well, works hard at both ends of the pitch and can change her team's angle of attack."[4]

Key Information

At 5 feet 11 inches (1.81 m), Scott was nicknamed "Crouchy" after male international footballer Peter Crouch, who towered over his fellow players to a similar degree.[5][6] After leaving hometown club Sunderland for Everton in 2006, she contributed to the Blues' FA Women's Premier League Cup win in 2008 and FA Women's Cup victory in 2010. With Manchester City, she won the FA WSL in 2016 and is a three-time winner of the FA Women's Cup and the FA WSL Cup. On the individual level, Scott was voted 2008 FA Players' Player of the Year and 2011 FA International Player of the Year.

Following her retirement from football in 2022, Scott went on to win the twenty-second series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and was crowned "Queen of the Jungle".[7][8]

Early life

[edit]

Scott grew up in Fulwell, Sunderland,[9] Tyne and Wear, and lived with parents Doreen and Bryan[10] and three siblings, a sister Amanda who is seven years older, a brother Mark who is four years older, and a sister who is nine years younger.[10][11] She attended Monkwearmouth Comprehensive School.[12][13]

When Scott was five she would go with her nine year old brother into the back lanes near their house and play football with him and his friends[14] and Scott has commented that "...we spent all of our childhood just in the back lanes, so, if say Wimbledon was on I'd get a tennis racket from somewhere and we'd be playing tennis, if the ashes was on you'd suddenly get a cricket bat and you just went through every sport and event being in the back lanes."[15] At the age of seven she was playing football in a boys team,[16][10] and played for both a local team and a team at her school and was the only student in year 5 to be on the school football team.[10]

A keen long-distance runner, Scott ran for Sunderland Harriers, winning the North of England Under-13 cross-country title and the Junior Great North Run[17] and at the age of 13, she had to decide between football or running, and chose to concentrate on playing football.[10]

Scott then began playing football for the Boldon CA girls' team in Middlesbrough[10] and later met future England teammates Steph Houghton and Demi Stokes who also played for Boldon.[18] As part of the "Where Greatness Is Made" campaign, plaques honouring Stokes and Scott were installed at the club in 2022.[19] When playing games for Boldon Scott needed to get lifts in a car to attend the games and when she was unable to get a lift, instead of missing the game she would let her mother know that her coach was picking her up at the end of the street and then she would catch a metro train to the location where the match was taking place.[10] At the age of 14 she began playing for the Sunderland Women's team.[20]

After leaving school in 2003, Scott received a BTEC National Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science at Gateshead College. She remained at the college to study for a University of Sunderland foundation degree in sports and exercise development. She also played for the college football team alongside fellow Sunderland and international teammate Carly Telford.[17] After completing her diploma, both Scott and Telford enrolled at Loughborough University to study sport.

Club career

[edit]

Sunderland

[edit]

Scott began her senior career with Sunderland Women[21][20] and in October 2005, aged only 18 years, she won the Women's Player of the Month award for September, based on her performances for both her club and country (at under-19 level).[22]

Everton

[edit]

Scott joined Everton Ladies in July 2006,[23] having turned down an approach from Doncaster Rovers Belles.[24] Her first game for Everton came the following month, a 3–0 defeat against Arsenal Ladies in the FA Women's Community Shield.[25]

At the end of the 2007–08 season, she picked up the FA Tesco Players' Player of the Year award. Also nominated were Arsenal's Alex Scott and Karen Carney.[26] In April 2012, Scott was appointed as one of eight digital media ambassadors, one from each team, who wear their Twitter account name on their shirt sleeves to raise the profile of the WSL.[27] Scott decided to leave Everton at the end of the 2013 season.[28]

During her first spell at Everton, Scott won the FA Women's Premier League Cup and the FA Women's Cup, playing in both finals.

Manchester City

[edit]
Scott playing for Manchester City in 2017

After leaving Everton, Scott signed a two-year deal with Manchester City.[29] This move proved a success, as she played her part in securing the Continental Cup Trophy for Manchester City in 2014.[30]

In April 2015, Scott was shown the red card and banned for three matches for headbutting Arsenal's Jade Bailey during Manchester City's 1–0 defeat.[31] In the 2017 FA Cup Final, Scott scored in a 4–1 win against Birmingham City.

In June 2020, Scott signed a new two-year contract which saw her take up a coaching role at the club.[32] At the 2020 Women's FA Community Shield on 29 August 2020, Scott was shown a red card for two bookable offences in Manchester City's scrappy 2–0 defeat by Chelsea at Wembley Stadium.[33]

Return to Everton (loan)

[edit]

On 21 January 2021, Scott returned to Everton on loan for the remainder of the 2020–21 season.[34]

Aston Villa (loan)

[edit]

On 25 January 2022, Scott signed for Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season.[35]

On 23 August 2022, Scott announced her retirement from football.[36]

International career

[edit]

England

[edit]

At junior level, Scott played for the England Under-19s side, scoring three times in three games as England won through the first round of qualifying for the 2006 UEFA Under-19s tournament.[22] Her first call-up to the England senior squad came in May 2006, having captained the Under-19s side for the previous 18 months.[37] She made her debut for the England senior team against the Netherlands in August 2006, coming on as a late substitute for Kelly Smith in a 4–0 win.[38] She made the squad for the 2007 World Cup, coming on as a substitute in England's opening match against Japan. She went on to start the remainder of England's matches in the tournament, scoring her first international goal in the 6–1 demolition of Argentina in the group stage. England bowed out at the quarter-final stage after a 3–0 defeat against the United States.[39]

In May 2009, Scott was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by The Football Association.[40] She was named in coach Hope Powell's squad for the 2009 UEFA Women's European Championships, scoring a late winner as England beat the Netherlands in the semi-final, having come on as a substitute for Jessica Clarke at the beginning of extra-time.[41]

Scott playing for England against Montenegro in 2014

At the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Scott scored against New Zealand in England's 2–1 group B win. She put England ahead against France in the quarter final, but did not take a penalty in her team's 3–4 shootout defeat following a 1–1 draw.[42] In February 2019, Scott pulled out of the England squad for the SheBelieves Cup.[43]

On 23 February 2021, Scott made her 150th appearance for the England team in a game against Northern Ireland, which she would captain and play the whole 90 minutes as England would win 6–0.[44][45]

In June 2022, Scott was included in the England squad which won the UEFA Women's Euro 2022.[46][47] On 23 August 2022, Scott announced her retirement from football, a day after England and Manchester City teammate Ellen White did. Scott retired as England's second-most capped international footballer (men and women), behind Fara Williams.[48]

Scott was allotted 163 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England's inaugural international.[49][50][51]

Great Britain

[edit]

In June 2012, Scott was named in an 18-player Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics.[52]

In 2021, Scott was announced as one of the 22-player squad for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.[53]

Post-footballing career

[edit]
Scott supporting the England team that won the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 during their victory parade

In November 2022, Scott won the twenty-second series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and was crowned "Queen of the Jungle",[54] becoming the first LGBTQ+ woman to win the show.[55] Scott has appeared as a pundit for several Men's and Women's matches, including England Men's Euros qualifying games against Malta and North Macedonia, and the UEFA Women's Champions League final.[56] In June 2023, she became the first female player to captain England for Soccer Aid.[57]

In 2023 Scott became a captain in the panel show A League of Their Own.[58]

Personal life

[edit]

In March 2020, Scott announced her engagement to long-term partner Shelly Unitt, the younger sister of former footballer Rachel Unitt.[59][60] Scott sometimes works at Boxx2Boxx Coffee, a coffee shop in Northenden, Manchester, which she co-owns with Unitt.[61][62]

Scott was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to women's football.[63]

Coaching career

[edit]

In September 2008, Scott was appointed as the coach of the Women's Football Academy at Gateshead College, with former Darlington manager Mick Tait taking over as coach of the Men's Academy.[64]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[citation needed]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Continental Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Sunderland 2004–05 FA WPL Northern —
2005–06 FA WPL National —
Total —
Everton 2006–07 FA WPL National —
2007–08
2008–09 —
2009–10
2011 FA WSL 13 1 —
2012 14 0 —
2013 14 1 —
Total 41 2
Manchester City 2014 FA WSL 14 4 2 0 7 1 — 23 5
2015 12 1 2 1 5 0 — 19 2
2016 14 3 2 0 3 1 2 1 21 5
2017 7 3 3 1 0 0 3 0 13 4
2017–18 17 7 3 0 6 0 8 1 34 8
2018–19 16 0 1 0 4 0 1 0 22 0
2019–20 16 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 19 0
2020–21 7 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 1
2021–22 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0
Total 111 19 13 2 25 2 18 2 165 25
Everton (loan) 2020–21 FA WSL 11 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 2
Aston Villa (loan) 2021–22 FA WSL 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career total

International

[edit]
Year England Great Britain
Apps Goals Apps Goals
2006 2 1 —
2007 11 1 —
2008 6 2 —
2009 11 1 —
2010 11 1 —
2011 11 3 —
2012 8 3 3 1
2013 14 0 —
2014 11 1 —
2015 17 2 —
2016 12 3 —
2017 12 0 —
2018 6 ? —
2019 14 3 —
2020 3 2 —
2021 ? 0 3 0
2022 4 1 —
Total 161 27 6 1
Scores and results list England or Great Britain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Scott goal.
List of international goals scored by Jill Scott[65]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
Goals for England
1 25 October 2006 Städtisches Waldstadion, Aalen, Germany  Germany 1–5 Friendly
2 17 September 2007 Chengdu Longquanyi Football Stadium, Chengdu, China  Argentina 6–1 2007 FIFA World Cup
3 8 May 2008 Darida, Minsk, Belarus  Belarus 6–1 UEFA Euro 2009 qualification
4 28 September 2008 Ďolíček, Prague, Czech Republic  Czech Republic 5–1 UEFA Euro 2009 qualification
5 6 September 2009 Ratina Stadion, Tampere, Finland  Netherlands 2–1 2009 UEFA Championship
6 24 March 2010 Larnaca, Cyprus  South Africa 1–0 2010 Cyprus Cup
7 17 May 2011 Kassam Stadium, Oxford, England  Sweden 2–0 Friendly
8 1 July 2011 Glücksgas Stadium, Dresden, Germany  New Zealand 2–1 2011 FIFA World Cup
9 9 July 2011 BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany  France 1–1 2011 FIFA World Cup
10 21 June 2012 Ob Jezeru, Velenje, Slovenia  Slovenia 4–0 UEFA Euro 2013 qualification
11
12 19 September 2012 Bescot Stadium, Walsall, England  Croatia 3–0 UEFA Euro 2013 qualification
13 20 October 2012 Stade Sébastien Charléty, Paris, France  France 2–2 Friendly
14 5 April 2014 Falmer Stadium, Brighton and Hove, England  Montenegro 9–0 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
15 21 September 2015 A. Le Coq Arena, Tallinn, Estonia  Estonia 8–0 UEFA Euro 2017 qualification
16 29 November 2015 Ashton Gate, Bristol, England  Bosnia and Herzegovina 1–0 UEFA Euro 2017 qualification
17 8 April 2016 New York Stadium, Rotherham, England  Belgium 1–1 UEFA Euro 2017 qualification
18 7 June 2016 Sports Center of FA of Serbia, Stara Pazova, Serbia  Serbia 7–0 UEFA Euro 2017 qualification
19 15 September 2016 Meadow Lane, Nottingham, England  Estonia 5–0 UEFA Euro 2017 qualification
20 1 March 2018 Mapfre Stadium, Columbus, Ohio, United States  France 4–1 2018 SheBelieves Cup
21 18 June 2018 Sapsan Arena, Moscow, Russia  Russia 3–1 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
22
23 31 August 2018 Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales  Wales 3–0 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
24 25 May 2019 Bescot Stadium, Walsall, England  Denmark 2–0 Friendly
25 27 June 2019 Stade Océane, Le Havre, France  Norway 3–0 2019 FIFA World Cup
26 30 November 2021 Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster, England  Latvia 20–0 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification
27 30 June 2022 Letzigrund Stadium, Zürich, Switzerland  Switzerland 4–0 Euro 2022 Warm-up match
Goals for Great Britain
1 28 July 2012 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff  Cameroon 3–0 2012 Olympic Games

Honours

[edit]

Everton

Manchester City

England

See also: Collective honours for the England women's national football team

Individual

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jill Scott (footballer)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jill Scott (born 2 February 1987) is an English former professional footballer who played as a , known for her commanding presence in the centre of the pitch and her contributions to both club and international success. Born and raised in , she began her career with her hometown club before moving to Everton in 2006, where she helped win the FA Women's Premier League Cup and the FA Women's Cup. In November 2013, she joined Manchester City, spending nine years there and achieving domestic triumphs including one title, three Women's League Cup titles, and three FA Women's Cup victories. Towards the end of her club career, Scott spent the second half of the 2021–22 season on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester City, before signing permanently with the club in July 2022 and announcing her retirement just a month later following England's victory. Scott's international career was equally illustrious, earning 161 caps for the women's national team between 2006 and 2022, making her the second-most capped player in Lionesses history at the time of her retirement. She debuted for in 2006 and went on to feature in ten major tournaments, including four Women's World Cups (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019), three Women's Euros (2009, 2013, 2017, plus the 2022 triumph), and two (2012, 2020). Her pivotal role in midfield helped secure their first major title at Euro 2022, where she started in the final against and lifted the trophy as a key squad member. In recognition of her contributions to football, Scott was appointed Member of the (MBE) in the . Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (181 cm) and right-footed, Scott was renowned for her physicality, tactical intelligence, and unselfish play, often described as a "machine" on the pitch who prioritized team success over individual accolades. Off the field, she has remained involved in the sport post-retirement, joining the Sunderland Foundation Board of Trustees in 2024 to support grassroots development in her home region, being appointed President of Fields in Trust in 2025, and taking up roles as a television and commentator.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Jill Scott was born on 2 February 1987 in , , to parents Doreen and . She grew up in the Fulwell area of , in the North East of , a region renowned for its deep-rooted passion for football and vibrant sports culture that permeated local communities. Scott's family provided strong support for her athletic interests from an early age, drawing from their own sporting backgrounds—her father Bryan had played football and trialed with as a youth, while her mother Doreen had competed in cross-country running. This familial encouragement fostered her initial pursuits in physical activities, amid the industrial and community-oriented environment of , where sports served as a key outlet for young people. Her parents' involvement helped nurture her competitive spirit, even as she navigated the challenges of growing up in a close-knit household with siblings. From childhood, Scott demonstrated versatility in sports, excelling particularly in and winning the North of England Under-13 cross-country title as a junior. At 5 feet 11 inches tall, her height contributed to her athletic prowess across disciplines, shaping her early experiences in the competitive yet supportive local scene before she focused on team sports.

Introduction to football

Scott began playing organized football at the age of seven, joining local youth teams in where she quickly demonstrated her talent and passion for the sport. Encouraged by her family, she balanced early football involvement with other activities, including , before committing fully to the game. By her early teens, she had progressed to more competitive environments, playing for Boldon Girls, a local youth team, where she was a prolific scorer, notably netting nine goals in a single 13-1 victory against in 1998. Around the age of 14, Scott joined the Women's FC youth , known as the Centre of Excellence, where she underwent structured training and competed in junior competitions across the region. This development phase honed her midfield skills and physical presence, preparing her for higher levels; she became a key player in youth matches, earning recognition for her versatility and leadership on the pitch. Her time in the bridged football with professional pathways, allowing her to train alongside emerging talents like while participating in regional tournaments that built her tactical awareness. Scott made her senior debut for in 2004 at the age of 17, marking a seamless transition from youth to adult football. In her debut season (2004–05), she contributed significantly as a home-grown talent to the team's success in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division, helping secure the title and promotion to the . Key early appearances included impactful performances in crucial matches that showcased her ability to control the midfield and support attacking plays, laying the foundation for her rapid rise in women's football.

Club career

Sunderland

Jill Scott began her senior professional career with her hometown club, Women, in 2004, establishing herself as a key in the team's midfield during a formative period for the club. Playing primarily in the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division, she contributed significantly to 's campaign, utilizing her height and aerial prowess to score important goals from set pieces, such as those delivered by teammate Mel Reay. In the 2004–05 season, Scott's performances helped drive to the Northern Division title, securing promotion to the FA Women's Premier League National Division with 17 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses across 22 matches. The team clinched the promotion with a dramatic 2–2 draw against Stockport County on April 10, 2005, after trailing until the final minutes. Her breakout year culminated in October 2005, when, at just 18 years old, she was awarded the Women's Player of the Month for , recognizing her consistent high-quality displays for both club and under-19s. Scott remained a fixture in Sunderland's lineup during their first season in the top flight in 2005–06, where the team competed strongly against established opponents, further honing her reputation as a tireless and astute organizer in midfield. This period marked her emergence as a promising talent, leading to her first senior call-up in May 2006 and international debut against the on August 30, 2006. Her contributions at drew attention from bigger clubs, resulting in a transfer to Everton in July 2006.

Everton

Scott transferred to Everton from Sunderland in July 2006, signing on a part-time basis as the 19-year-old sought to advance her professional development. She spent seven seasons with the Toffees, evolving from a promising talent into a cornerstone of the squad, particularly after the league transitioned to full-time professionalism with the inaugural FA in 2011. During this period, Scott played a central role in Everton's cup successes in the pre-WSL era. The team clinched the FA Women's Premier League Cup in 2008, securing a 1-0 victory over in the final at , where Scott's midfield tenacity helped maintain defensive solidity and launch attacks. Everton reached the FA Women's Cup final multiple times, ultimately winning the trophy in 2010 with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time triumph against at ; Scott featured throughout the match, contributing to the side's organized pressing and transitions. These victories highlighted her growth into a reliable, high-energy performer capable of influencing high-stakes games. Over her Everton tenure, Scott made 114 appearances and scored 21 goals across all competitions, establishing herself as a vital leader in midfield with periods as vice-captain. She balanced these demands with early coaching responsibilities, including her appointment as of Sunderland's women's in 2008, which required managing sessions alongside her playing commitments and long-distance travel between the North East and . This dual role underscored her commitment to grassroots development while honing her own tactical acumen at club level.

Manchester City

Jill Scott joined Manchester City from Everton on 15 November 2013, signing a two-year deal that positioned her as a cornerstone during the evolving professional era of the (WSL), which had launched in 2011. Her arrival bolstered City's midfield with her experience and versatility, helping the team establish itself as a dominant force in English women's football. Over her primary nine-year tenure, Scott's consistent performances and tactical intelligence were integral to the club's rise, contributing to a period of sustained domestic success. Scott played a pivotal role in Manchester City's major achievements, including their WSL title win in 2016—the club's first and only league championship to date—as well as three FA Women's Cup victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020. The team also secured three Women's (Continental Tyres Cup) titles during her time, in 2014, 2016, and 2019, with Scott featuring prominently in these triumphs. These successes highlighted her evolution from a reliable squad player to a leader within the team, exemplified by her involvement in high-stakes matches, such as scoring in the against Reading. Individually, Scott amassed 194 appearances for Manchester City across all competitions, scoring 25 goals, including the club's first-ever goal in the against Fortuna Hjørring in 2016/17. Her longevity and impact were recognized as she approached 150 league appearances alone by 2020, underscoring her status as one of the club's most enduring figures. In June 2020, she signed a two-year contract extension that transitioned her into a role, allowing her to mentor younger players while continuing to contribute on the pitch under head coach . Scott's main stint at concluded with loan spells elsewhere in 2021 and 2022, after which she announced her retirement from professional football in August 2022, having helped lay the foundation for the club's ongoing competitiveness in the WSL.

Loan periods

In January 2021, while remaining under contract with Manchester , Jill Scott returned to Everton on for the remainder of the 2020–21 season, primarily to regain regular playing time after limited opportunities at her parent club. This move allowed her to feature more prominently in a familiar environment, where she made 11 appearances and contributed to Everton's mid-table finish in the league. The spell, which extended through the end of the campaign, helped maintain her match fitness and form ahead of international commitments. Later, in January 2022, Scott embarked on another loan from Manchester City, this time to Aston Villa until the conclusion of the 2021–22 season, with the explicit aim of securing consistent minutes to bolster her selection prospects for Women's Euro 2022. During her time at Villa, she appeared in seven WSL matches, offering valuable experience and mentorship to the squad's younger players while helping stabilize the team's midfield in their fight against relegation. This period marked a transitional phase in her career, emphasizing and tactical contributions over high-volume play. The Aston Villa loan concluded at the end of the season, after which Scott announced her from professional football on 23 August 2022, capping a distinguished that included these strategic moves to extend her playing days.

International career

Jill Scott made her senior international debut for on 31 August 2006, coming on as a substitute in a 4–0 friendly victory over the at The Valley, Charlton. Over her 16-year tenure with the Lionesses, she amassed 161 caps and scored 27 goals, retiring as the second-most capped player in 's history behind . Her versatility as a , often deployed in central or defensive roles, made her a reliable presence in multiple major tournaments, where she featured in 10 competitions overall. Scott's first major tournament was the in , where she made her tournament debut as a substitute against before starting the remaining group matches against and (scoring in a 6–1 win) and the quarter-final loss to the . Her international career with spanned four UEFA Women's Euro editions, beginning with the 2009 tournament in , where she contributed to 's run to the final as runners-up, including a crucial extra-time header in the semi-final against the that secured a 2–1 victory. She participated in the 2013 edition in , starting in all three group-stage matches as exited early, and returned for the 2017 tournament in the , where she again started in the group phase before a last-16 exit to France. Her most triumphant Euro campaign came in 2022, hosted across , where she played a key role in the hosts' journey to victory, appearing in five matches, including as a substitute in the semi-final against and the final against at , which won 2–1 after extra time. In FIFA Women's World Cup competitions, Scott represented at four editions, showcasing her endurance with a record 18 appearances across the tournaments for any English women's player. She featured in the 2011 tournament in , scoring in the group stage against during a 2–1 win and adding another goal in the quarter-final loss to on penalties. At the 2015 World Cup in , Scott started every match en route to England's historic third-place finish, their best result at the time, after a 1–0 extra-time victory over in the third-place match. Her final World Cup appearance came in 2019 in , where she reached her personal milestone of 18 tournament games in the round-of-16 win over ; England advanced to the semi-final defeat to the before losing 2–1 to in the third-place match. In her later years, Scott assumed greater leadership responsibilities within the squad, serving as vice-captain during periods under manager and mentoring younger players with her experience. Her pivotal contribution to the 2022 Euros triumph, where she helped lift the trophy as part of the victorious team, marked the pinnacle of her career; she announced her international retirement just weeks later on 23 August 2022, ending her England tenure on a high as a European champion. Scott's longevity established her as a cornerstone of the Lionesses' rise, holding the record for most appearances among outfield players at the time of her retirement and embodying the transition from consistent performer to inspirational leader.

Great Britain

Jill Scott earned her first call-up to the women's national football team in June 2012, when she was named to the 18-player squad for the London Olympics. She featured in all three group stage matches, starting as a central and scoring 's second goal in a 3–0 win over on 28 July, helping secure advancement to the quarter-finals where the team fell 2–0 to . In May 2021, Scott was selected for the Tokyo Olympics squad as one of five returning players from the 2012 team, including alongside Manchester City teammate Ellen White. Her involvement extended to pre-Olympic qualification preparations and friendlies, contributing to 's efforts before the tournament; the team topped their group with draws against the and , and a loss to , before a 1–0 quarter-final defeat to . Across these appearances, Scott accumulated nine caps for , with her sole goal coming in 2012. Throughout her Great Britain tenure, Scott anchored the midfield in a multi-national setup blending players from , , , and [Northern Ireland](/page/Northern Ireland), providing defensive solidity and distribution in high-stakes Olympic fixtures. This role echoed her leadership in 's broader international campaigns, though Great Britain duties remained sporadic amid eligibility debates from wary of diluting separate national identities in and competitions.

Coaching career

Early involvement

Scott's early involvement in coaching began in September 2008, while she was playing as a semi-professional for Everton, when she was appointed as the women's football coach at Gateshead College's for Sport. This role lasted until 2013. In this volunteer capacity, she led the Women's Football , working with over 40 young and enthusiastic female players across two teams, guiding them in skill development and team-oriented play. She dedicated one to two days per week to these sessions, focusing on nurturing emerging talent through structured training that emphasized technical abilities and collective gameplay. This role allowed Scott to contribute to women's football in the North East, drawing on her own experiences as a former student at the college where she had studied Sport and Exercise Science. Balancing her coaching commitments with her playing schedule at Everton proved demanding, as she trained with the club twice weekly and incorporated additional personal training sessions two to three days a week, often involving long drives between the North West and North East regions. Despite the logistical challenges, including late-night returns home after evening practices, Scott maintained this dual focus, highlighting her dedication to both facets of the sport. Through her work at the academy, Scott quickly recognized her affinity for , describing it as a rewarding opportunity to motivate students by sharing insights from her burgeoning international career with . This early experience fostered her enthusiasm for mentoring young athletes, setting the foundation for her growing interest in the field beyond playing.

Player-coach role

In June 2020, Jill Scott signed a two-year contract with Manchester City, enabling her to balance her ongoing playing duties with formal coaching responsibilities at the club. This pioneering arrangement marked a significant step in her transition, allowing her to remain an active while beginning to contribute to the club's coaching structure. Scott's coaching duties involved collaborating closely with head coach and assistant Alan Mahon, focusing on enhancing her understanding of tactics and team management while supporting the senior squad's development. She integrated these responsibilities with her on-pitch leadership, drawing on her extensive experience— including over 160 appearances for —to guide and inspire teammates during training and matches. The role had a notable impact on emerging talents within the club, as Scott provided to younger players, helping to bridge the gap between academy prospects and the first team. This contributed to the broader development of women's football by fostering and skill-building pathways, a focus that persisted until her retirement at the end of the 2021–22 season.

Post-retirement activities

Media and entertainment

Following her retirement from professional football in August 2022, Jill Scott quickly transitioned into the public eye through entertainment ventures. Just four months later, in November 2022, she participated in the twenty-second series of the ITV reality show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, where she emerged as the winner, earning the title "Queen of the Jungle" after defeating finalists Owen Warner and Matt Hancock in the public vote. This victory, which garnered her 57.7% of the final vote, significantly elevated her profile beyond sports, introducing her to a broader audience and establishing her as a charismatic media personality. Scott has since become a prominent for major women's football events, providing expert analysis for both and ITV broadcasts. She contributed to 's coverage of the , serving as a alongside former teammates like Ellen White and , and reported live from during the tournament. Similarly, she has worked as a for ITV Sport on key matches, including the , drawing on her experience as England's second-most capped player to offer insights into tactics and player performances. Complementing her television work, Scott co-hosts the Long Story Short with fellow former Lioness , where they share anecdotes from their careers, including behind-the-scenes stories from England's Euro 2022 triumph, focusing on the growth of women's football. In November 2025, she appeared on the Great Company , discussing imposter syndrome and experiences of during her early football career. In addition to broadcasting, Scott has embraced diverse entertainment roles that blend her football expertise with entertainment appeal. She captained the XI in the 2023 for charity match at , becoming the first woman to lead the team in the event's history, though they lost 4-5 to the led by . Since 2023, she has served as a team captain on Sky Max's panel show , hosted by , alongside and , where she participates in comedic sports challenges and discussions. In November 2025, Scott was announced as a contestant for Taskmaster's Treat 2026. Scott has also made guest appearances on programs like ITV's Saturday Night Takeaway, sharing stories about her post-Euro 2022 life and football career, further solidifying her role in mainstream entertainment.

Business and speaking engagements

Jill Scott co-founded Boxx2Boxx Coffee, a community-focused café in , , in April 2021 alongside her partner Shelly Unitt, and has continued to support the venture by working shifts there and engaging with the local community following her retirement. Scott has expanded into motivational speaking, drawing on her sporting career to inspire audiences. In October 2025, she delivered a TEDxDurham talk titled "An English Football Legendary Lioness: Resilience in Life & on the Pitch," sharing insights on perseverance and key moments from her journey in football. That same month, she received the 2025 Legends of Football Award alongside at a ceremony honoring her contributions to the sport. She also appeared at the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame induction ceremony in December 2023, where she was honored and spoke about her contributions to the sport. In her advocacy efforts, Scott has addressed issues of and the advancement of women's football through public discussions. In a July , she highlighted ongoing challenges with racial in the while celebrating in women's visibility and participation. Additionally, she has supported charitable causes as captain for England's team at for , becoming the first woman to lead the side in 2023 and returning in to raise funds for globally. In March 2024, Scott joined the Board of Trustees at the Sunderland Foundation, Sunderland AFC's official charity, to promote grassroots development in her hometown. In June , she was appointed President of Fields in Trust, the UK's charity dedicated to protecting public parks and playgrounds. Her rising media profile has amplified the reach of these business and speaking initiatives.

Personal life

Relationships

Jill Scott has been openly throughout her professional football career, advocating for greater visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in sport. She met her partner, Shelly Unitt, through football connections; Unitt is the younger sister of Scott's former and Everton teammate . The couple announced their engagement in March 2020, with Scott proposing during a trip to New York. As of 2025, Scott and Unitt remain engaged but have delayed their wedding multiple times due to Scott's demanding schedule, including preparations for the and subsequent television commitments such as her appearance on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2022. The pair have no children together, though Scott has embraced a stepmother role to Unitt's two daughters from a previous relationship, Hattie and Evie. Their partnership has provided essential support during Scott's transition to post-retirement life, helping her navigate work-life balance amid new ventures. Scott has credited Unitt and their family unit with keeping her grounded after years in high-pressure professional environments.

Recognition outside football

In recognition of her contributions to women's football and its promotion, Jill Scott was appointed Member of the (MBE) in the . This honour acknowledged her long-standing service to the sport, including her role in advancing and inspiring future generations beyond competitive play. Scott's broader impact was further celebrated with her induction into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in December 2023. The recognition highlighted her exemplary career and advocacy for diversity and inclusivity in , positioning her as a who has helped elevate the visibility and accessibility of football for underrepresented groups. In October 2025, Scott received a Legends of Football Award. Additional tributes include her inclusion as part of the Lionesses team, named BBC Sports Personality of the Year Team of the Year in 2022 following their Women's Euro victory. Media profiles have also praised her resilience, particularly in overcoming a significant in 2019 that sidelined her before the , underscoring her mental fortitude and off-field influence on discussions around athlete well-being.

Career statistics

Club

Jill Scott's club career spanned from 2004 to 2022, during which she played for four teams in English women's football, contributing to the evolution of the sport from semi-professional to fully professional structures.
SeasonsClubAppearancesGoals
2004–2006Sunderland5010
2006–2013Everton11421
2020–21 (loan)Everton112
2013–2022Manchester City19425
2021–22 (loan)Aston Villa80
Total37758
Note: Sunderland statistics are unverified; total excludes them if unconfirmed (327 apps, 48 goals). Her early years at were in the FA Women's Premier League National Division, while her time at Everton and Manchester City coincided with the transition to the professional FA Women's Super League (WSL) in 2011, where she competed in the WSL, FA Women's Cup, and Women's League Cup. At Manchester City, for example, she recorded 115 appearances in the WSL, 20 in the , and 35 in the League Cup across her tenure.

International

Jill Scott represented at senior level from 2006 to 2022, earning 161 caps and scoring 27 goals. She debuted on 31 August 2006 in a 4–0 qualifying win over the . Her international career with spanned four FIFA Women's (2007, 2011, 2015, 2019), four UEFA Women's Euros (2009, 2013, 2017, 2022), and various qualifiers and friendlies, culminating in her retirement following 's UEFA Women's Euro 2022 victory.
TournamentAppearancesGoals
FIFA Women's World Cup (total across 2007–2019)184
UEFA Women's Euro 202241
UEFA Women's Euro 201730
FIFA Women's World Cup 201951
Scott also appeared for the Great Britain women's national team from 2012 to 2021, accumulating 9 caps and 1 goal, primarily during Olympic tournaments. Her GB debut came in a pre-Olympic friendly, followed by participations in the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where Great Britain reached the quarter-finals both times. She scored her sole GB goal in the 2012 Olympics against Brazil.
TournamentAppearancesGoals
Olympics 2012 ()41
Olympics 2020 ()40
Friendlies/Qualifiers10
Excluding youth international appearances, Scott's combined senior totals for and stand at 170 caps and 28 goals.

Honours

Club honours

Jill Scott began her senior club career with Sunderland, where she played a key role in their promotion to the FA Women's Premier League National Division by winning the Northern Division title in the 2004–05 season. Scott joined Everton in 2006 and helped the team secure two FA Women's Premier League Cup triumphs in the 2007–08 and 2009–10 seasons, contributing to their status as a dominant force in domestic women's football during that era. She also won the FA Women's Cup in 2010. She was also recognized individually at Everton, earning the club's Players' Player of the Season award in 2009–10 and receiving acclaim for her consistent performances across multiple seasons. In 2013, Scott transferred to Manchester City, where she enjoyed the most successful phase of her club career, winning a host of major trophies over nine seasons. With City, she claimed the title in 2016, establishing the club as league champions for the first time. She also lifted the FA Women's Cup on three occasions: in the 2016–17, 2018–19, and 2019–20 seasons, including a 3–1 victory over Everton in the 2020 final. Additionally, Scott won the four times with Manchester City—in the 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2018–19 seasons—further cementing her contribution to the team's domestic dominance. On an individual level, she was named Manchester City's Player of the Season in 2014 and shared the FA WSL Players' Player of the Year award in 2018, highlighting her pivotal midfield role.
ClubCompetitionSeasons Won
FA Women's Premier League Northern Division2004–05
EvertonFA Women's Premier League Cup2007–08, 2009–10
EvertonFA Women's Cup2009–10
Manchester City2015–16
Manchester CityFA Women's Cup2016–17, 2018–19, 2019–20
Manchester City2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2018–19

International honours

Jill Scott earned 161 caps for the England women's national team between 2006 and 2022, making her the second-most capped player in the team's history. She featured in 10 major international tournaments, including four UEFA Women's Euros and four FIFA Women's World Cups, establishing herself as a versatile and key contributor to the Lionesses' successes. Scott was part of the England squad that won the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, defeating Germany 2–1 in the final at Wembley Stadium to claim the team's first major title. Earlier, she helped England reach the final of the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 as runners-up, losing 2–6 to Germany after extra time. At the FIFA Women's World Cup, Scott contributed to England's third-place finish in 2015, following a 1–2 semi-final loss to Japan and a 1–0 extra-time victory over Germany in the third-place match. She also played in the 2011 edition, where England finished fourth after a 1–1 (3–4 on penalties) quarter-final defeat to France and a 0–1 loss to Sweden in the third-place match. In invitational tournaments, Scott was instrumental in England's victory at the inaugural in 2016, where the Lionesses topped the , , and to lift the trophy. Additionally, she represented at the 2012 London Olympics, starting in all group-stage matches as the team advanced to the quarter-finals before a 0–2 loss to ended their campaign. She also represented at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the team reached the quarter-finals. On an individual level, Scott was named the FA Women's International Player of the Year in 2011, recognizing her pivotal role in qualifying for UEFA Women's Euro 2013. Her consistent performances across multiple tournament podium finishes, including scoring crucial goals in matches, underscored her status as a cornerstone of the national team's midfield.

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