Fran Kirby has announced her England retirement with immediate effect after failing to make the Lionesses' squad for the European Championships.
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Kirby calls time on 11-year England careerForward didn't make Lionesses Euros squadNews comes just days after Earps' shock retirementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Kirby made her England debut back in 2014 and has gone on to win 77 caps for her country, with the stand-out moment of an electric career coming when she helped the Lionesses win the Euros on home soil back in 2022. The Brighton forward started all six games in the tournament and scored twice as England won a major title on the women's side for the first time.
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However, with injuries and illness plaguing her along the way, Kirby has not been as central for England in the three years since that triumph and was informed by head coach Sarina Wiegman that she would not be in the squad for the Euros this summer. Having already decided that this was going to be her final tournament with the team, the 31-year-old has now announced her retirement from international duty – news which came just five days after goalkeeper Mary Earps chose to do the same.
WHAT KIRBY SAID
Speaking to , Kirby said of the decision: "It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament. The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina, I'm not going to make the squad. It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.
"When I woke up in the morning after telling Sarina, I didn't feel any regret. That's when I knew I'd made the right decision. I've been on this team for a long time, it's not going to be a shock that it was coming to an end. You get to a certain age and there are some really good youngsters that are coming through."
In a full statement on social media, Kirby added: "I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened. It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl. I’ve played with incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories."
DID YOU KNOW?
Upon the announcement of the news, Wiegman said of Kirby: “Fran has given so much to England and has been an inspiration to so many for what she has achieved on and off the pitch. I have loved working with her, she is an amazing player and a great person. I fully understand her decision to say goodbye at this point in her wonderful career, and we will always be grateful for her incredible contribution to the team.
"I am just happy that she will continue to show her top ability in club football. Fran is a unique talent and plays football in a way that excites the fans and has earned the respect of all who have played with and against her. We will miss her of course and I look forward to the chance to honour her in the right way later this year."
