LIONESSES Euros hero Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football ahead of this summer’s European Championships.
Kirby, 31, has decided to end her international career after being informed that she wouldn’t be part of Sarina Weigman’s squad for the Euros.
The European champion – who was a crucial part of the Lionesses Euro 2022 success – announced her decision on Instagram.
A statement read: “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 some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories.”
She added: “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 ever have 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.”
Kirby, who plays her club football for Brighton, had been selected for England’s Uefa Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.
However, after finding out she wouldn’t be kept on for the Euros starting next month, Kirby told her England team-mates of the decision after Tuesday’s clash against Spain.
Speaking to the BBC following her announcement, Kirby revealed that she was planning on hanging up her boots after the Euros.
She said: “It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament.
“The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina I’m not going to make the squad.
“It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.”
Fran Kirby’s full retirement statement
Read Kirby’s announcement in full…
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 some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have 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 it 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 game-changing World Cup, winning bronze in 2015, creating memories of a lifetime.
Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.
Thank you to all of you for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know that wearing that badge was the greatest honour.
To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can. Forever a Lioness, Fran.
While also revealing that the decision has been influenced by her trying to protect her body.
She added: “Everyone knows the injuries that I’ve had and I’ve been protecting my body.
“This is part of that. But I feel like I’ve got so much to give in football. I’m already looking forward to the domestic season.”
Kirby was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning side and leaves the national set up having represented the Lionesses 77 times.
The two-time PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year winner isn’t the first England superstar to retire from international duty before next months tournament.
EARPS’ SHOCK DECISION
Goalkeeper Mary Earps shocked the nation – and her manager – when she announced her international retirement last week.
Earps reportedly decided to leave the national team after being informed she would be playing backup to Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton going forward.
She said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.
“I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.
“For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.
“Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”
Head coach Wiegman was left frustrated at the surprise announcement.
She said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team.
“That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us.
“There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”
Earps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago.
In Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history,
Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
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