*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:48, 23 October 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 16:50, 13 August 2022 (UTC)
Bailey is the daughter of soccer coach Trevor Bailey,[4] the founder of Interwood Junior Football Club. Bailey started playing football at age 6 for a Sunday league team,[5] becoming the top goalscorer for Chapel End.[6] She eventually became captain[4] and the only female player[4] of Waltham Forest Schools U11.[4] But the team did not allow mixed-gender teams from age 11,[5] so Bailey got a trial with Arsenal,[5] was signed to Arsenal's U12s girls team,[4] started training with Arsenal,[5] and was spotted by England scouts.[5]
She was given a scholarship and a two-year professional contract by Arsenal Ladies football team.[7] Bailey came off the bench during Arsenal's win in the 2013 FA Cup.[8][9] Bailey started the 2014 FA Cup final and was part of the Arsenal side which won 2–0.[10] In April 2015, Manchester City's England midfielder Jill Scott was shown the red card and banned for three matches for headbutting Bailey during a match.[11]
Bailey transferred to Chelsea in 2016[12] and made 16 appearances in her first season, as a deep-lying midfielder and sometimes in central defence. She suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April 2017, ruling her out of participation in the following season.[13] In January 2019, Chelsea gave Bailey a one-year contract extension and sent her on loan to Reading to prove her fitness.[14]
On 4 February 2024, Bailey was announced at London City Lionesses.[17]
On 21 September 2024, Bailey was announced at Sheffield United.[18]
International career
Bailey made her debut for England's under-17s on 3 October 2010 against Turkey[19] as a defender[3] although she had been an unplayed substitute in the matches against Italy[20] and Serbia[21] earlier that year. She was chosen by kit manufacturer Umbro in 2010 as one of the next generation of England's footballing stars.[22][23]
She was included in the England u20 for the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada.[1] In 2016 Bailey was selected by coach Marieanne Spacey for England's 'Next Gen' squad, which replaced the previous Under-23 set up, though still competing in U23-aged matches and competitions.[24]