Fran Kirby knew she had ‘outstayed her welcome’ after announcing international retirement before Lionesses squad announcement | OneFootball

Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football, ahead of the England Women’s Euros squad announcement on Thursday.

The 31-year-old was omitted from the matchday squad for the Lionesses’ Nations League loss against Spain, and informed her teammates of her decision after the match.

Kirby becomes the second England Women’s player to announce their retirement from international football in a week, after former number one goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shock announcement last Tuesday.

The Brighton midfielder ends her Lionesses career with 77 caps and 19 goals, having represented her country in four international tournaments, featuring in every single match during their run to EURO 2022 glory.

Speaking to ESPN, Kirby admitted her time on the international stage was over after a conversation with manager Sarina Wiegman over her chances of reaching the EURO 2025 squad.

“When I had the conversation with Sarina and she laid her plans out for the Euros and she told me I wasn’t going unless someone got injured, I knew it was the moment where I’d outstayed my welcome,” Kirby said.

“I don’t want to take the opportunity away from someone who can learn [and which can] then set them up for the future.

“I didn’t want to be waiting around every day, keeping that faint hope going just in case I was going to get a chance. I don’t think that would’ve been fair on my head either.

“I’m not embarrassed by this at all. I gave absolutely everything at the beginning of the year, I’ve given everything my whole career and I’m okay with Sarina’s decision because at the end of the day – it just wasn’t enough. I’m okay with that as I know I gave absolutely everything.”

England have confirmed that tributes will be paid to Kirby’s international career at a Lionesses match after this summer.