Fran Kirby has introduced her retirement from worldwide soccer forward of Ladies’s Euro 2025.
The attacking midfielder has referred to as time on her 11-year profession with England, for whom she earned 77 caps and helped win the 2022 European Championship.
Kirby, who was named within the Lionesses’ squad for his or her Nations League double-header in opposition to Portugal and Spain, had supposed to retire from England responsibility on the conclusion of subsequent month’s European Championship.
Nonetheless, the 31-year-old introduced the announcement ahead, after head coach Sarina Wiegman knowledgeable her she wouldn’t be a part of the ultimate celebration in Switzerland.
“After being within the England group since I used to be 21, it’s time to shut that chapter of my life,” Kirby stated in a press release. “I didn’t ever need this present day to come back, however I can’t let you know how proud I’m it occurred.
“It’s been the largest honour to symbolize my nation, one which I had solely dreamt about as a younger lady.
“I’ve performed with some unimaginable gamers, labored with some unimaginable managers, performed in some wonderful tournaments and have irreplaceable reminiscences.”
Fran Kirby has introduced her worldwide retirement with quick impact.
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) June 3, 2025
Kirby is the second participant to name time on her England profession earlier than the match, with goalkeeper Mary Earps doing the identical final week after dropping the primary jersey to Hannah Hampton.
The Brighton midfielder stated her announcement got here following an “emotional” dialogue with Wiegman.
“It’s one thing I’ve been fascinated by for over a yr,” she instructed BBC Sport. “I knew this was going to be my final main match.
“The plan was to retire after the Euros, however after talking to Sarina, I’m not going to make the squad.
“It was like a dagger to my coronary heart, but in addition a weight off my shoulders all on the identical time. It was emotional for each of us, however we each revered what every individual was saying.”