England's Fran Kirby announces her international retirement

UEFA EURO 2022 winner Fran Kirby has announced her international retirement with immediate effect.

The England midfielder closes her notable Lionesses career with 77 caps and 19 goals, having represented England at four major tournaments.

As well as success at the last European Championship, she was part of the bronze-medal winning squad at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the teams that finished fourth at both UEFA EURO 2017 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019.

Kirby, who also represented Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, made her international debut for England in August 2014, scoring in a 4-0 win against Sweden in Hartlepool.

Her last appearance fittingly came at Wembley Stadium connected by EE as the Lionesses won 6-0 last Friday in the UEFA Women’s Nations League against Portugal, having also played her part in qualification for this summer’s UEFA EURO.

Kirby communicated the decision to Lionesses players and staff after tonight’s UEFA Women’s Nations League defeat against Spain.

Announcing her retirement on social media, Kirby wrote: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life.

“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.

“My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. Enough has been said and written about those, but regardless of whatever was thrown at me, I want you all to know that every time I put on that England badge I gave 100 per cent. Every single call up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team. I wanted England to win. I’ve always been there to help England win.

“My mum had a dream of me representing my country, and I’m so proud I was able to do that and play in front of you all. I will never, ever forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium. I was first selected when I was playing in WSL 2, I played a part in the game-changing World Cup, winning bronze in 2015, creating some memories of a lifetime.

“Starting in every game and winning the EURO in 2022 was a dream come true, to be a part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could have ever imagined.

“Thank you to you all, for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know, wearing that badge was the greatest honour. To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can. Forever a Lioness, Fran.”

Sarina Wiegman said: “Fran has given so much to England and has been an inspiration to 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.”

The Brighton & Hove Albion player began her club career with Reading before a hugely successful spell with Chelsea where she won every major domestic honour and reached the final of the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League. That season saw her crowned PFA Player of the Year and FWA Player of the Year for the second time, having also been recognised with both awards in 2017-18 after Chelsea won the League and FA Cup double.

A full tribute to Kirby’s international career and her significant contribution to English football will be made at a Lionesses’ fixture after the summer.