Fran Kirby follows Mary Earps in announcing England retirement before European Championship | OneFootball

Former Chelsea star says she brought announcement forward after being told by Sarina Wiegman that she would not make Lionesses tournament squad

Fran Kirby has joined Mary Earps in announcing her England retirement ahead of the European Championship.

The Brighton forward confirmed her decision following the Lionesses’ 2-1 defeat by Spain in Barcelona on Tuesday night that saw them finish second in their Nations League group and miss out on a place at the finals in October.

The former Reading and Chelsea star, 31, told BBC Sport that she had been contemplating retiring from England duty for more than a year now and initially planned to do it after their European Championship title defence in Switzerland next month, only to bring the announcement forward after being informed by manager Sarina Wiegman that she would not make the final 23-player squad for the tournament due to be confirmed on Thursday.

On social media, Kirby, who also represented Great Britain at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, 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 Euros 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."

England boss Wiegman said she understood Kirby’s decision, which came just a week after goalkeeper Earps also announced her shock retirement from the Lionesses with the Euros looming.

"Fran has given so much to England and has been an inspiration to many for what she has achieved on and off the pitch,” Wiegman said. “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."