England midfielder Fran Kirby has retired from international football with immediate effect.

Kirby, now of Brighton & Hove Albion, has made her decision, she says, after being told by England manager Sarina Wiegman she would not be included in the squad for the European Championship, which begins next month.

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Wiegman will confirm her group for the tournament in Switzerland on Thursday.

Kirby was selected by Wiegman for the Nations League matches with Portugal and Spain and made what will now be her final national team appearance as a second-half substitute on Friday. She wasn’t part of the squad for Tuesday evening’s defeat to the world champions.

Announcing her retirement on social media after the game, Kirby 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 that 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.”

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Kirby leaves the international stage after winning 77 caps.

She was a key player as England’s women won a first international tournament at a home Euros in 2022, but missed out on the World Cup in 2023 — where England reached the final — with a knee injury.

“My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements,” Kirby continued. “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.

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“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. Forever a Lioness, Fran”.

Wiegman praised Kirby’s “incredible contribution” to the national team.

“Fran has given so much to England and has been an inspiration to so 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,” she said.

“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.

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“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 follows Mary Earps in calling time on her international career, the goalkeeper hanging up her international gloves last week.

“It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament,” she told the BBC.

“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.”

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England begin their tournament against France on July 5 before games against the Netherlands (July 9) and Wales (July 13).

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

England, International Football, UK Women’s Football

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