England midfielder, Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect.
Kirby didn’t feature in the squad which crashed out of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League after having opted to retire immediately, after Sarina Wiegman informed her that she wouldn’t feature in the Women’s Euro squad in Switzerland from 2 – 27 July.
In a social media statement, the 31-year-old announced that she was ready to “close that chapter” in her football career
“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.”
Kirby proceeded to reflect on the pride at achieving her late mother’s dream and the historic Women’s Euros title success on home soil in 2022, which she considers to be “a dream come true,” for herself.
“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 EURO 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. Forever a Lioness, Fran.”
Wiegman praised Kirby for having “… been an inspiration to many for what she has achieved on and off the pitch. I have loved working with her, she is an amazing player and a great person.”
The Dutch-born boss also acknowledged Kirby’s reasons to retire from international football and spoke of her happiness that Kirby will be able to focus solely on club football.
“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.
“I am just happy that she will continue to show her top ability in club football. Fran is a unique talent and plays football in a way that excites the fans and has earned the respect of all who have played with and against her. We will miss her of course and I look forward to the chance to honour her in the right way later this year.”
Kirby made her senior debut in 2014 and went on to score 19 goals in 77 appearances, during which she was part of 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro title-winning squad and the team which finished third at 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
2021 saw Kirby represent Team GB at the Olympics in Tokyo where she made two appearances as the team eventually exited at the Quarter-Finals stage to Australia.
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