Fran Kirby announces England Lionesses retirement after missing out on the squad for the upcoming Women’s Euros.
When Fran Kirby found out she would not be playing for Sarina Wiegman in the European Championship this summer, she declared she was retiring from international football with immediate effect.
The 31-year-old midfielder revealed in interviews with the BBC and ESPN, which were made public soon after England’s 2-1 loss to Spain on Tuesday, that she had already intended to retire from England duty following Euro 2025 in July, but she has now moved forward with that decision after learning she won’t be travelling to Switzerland. On Thursday, Wiegman will announce her final 23-man roster.
Following Mary Earps’ shocking declaration in May, this is the second abrupt retirement by a member of the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 winning team in as many days. Since making her debut in 2014, Kirby, who has 77 senior international caps and 19 goals, has been an integral component of the national team lineup.
“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 [that] it happened,” Kirby said in a statement posted on Instagram.
“It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl. 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.
“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.”