England midfielder Kirby announces shock international retirement | OneFootball

England midfielder Fran Kirby has announced her international retirement just weeks before the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.

WSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official press release from The Football Association this evening.

It has been reported that the 31-year-old informed both England staff and her teammates of her decision following this evening’s UEFA Women’s Nations League fixture against Spain in Barcelona.

Kirby has enjoyed an England senior career that has spanned for more than a decade. She has collected 77 caps for the Lionesses and has scored 19 goals. Kirby was a UEFA Women’s EURO winner with England in 2022 while she was also a member of the sides that picked up Bronze and Silver Medals at the FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2023.

Speaking after announcing her retirement, Kirby said “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%. 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 gamechanging 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.”

Kirby is the second player to announce a shock England retirement prior to this summer’s UEFA Women’s EURO. Goalkeeper Mary Earps also called time on her international career last week.