Fran Kirby has announced that she will be hanging up her international boots with immediate effect after an England career that spanned over a decade. Her decision came after indications from Sarina Wiegman that she would not be heading to Switzerland with the Lionesses this summer.
After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life,” Kirby wrote on social media. “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%. 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. 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”.
Widely considered one of the best of her generation to wear the shirt, the midfielder represented her country on 77 occasions and scored 19 goals.
She made her debut against Sweden at Hartlepool in 2014 while playing for Reading in the FAWSL 2 before heading to the first of four major tournaments, the 2015 World Cup. A core part of the Lionesses team that went on to win the Bronze Medal in Canada, she gained the nickname “Mini Messi” with her eye-catching displays.
Injuries and illness have been repeated setbacks throughout her career but a large part of Kirby’s story is her ability to comeback. She helped England to the semi-finals at both Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup, before representing Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics.
She then went on to make history with the Lionesses, playing in every game on their way to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2022. Her final appearance in an England shirt came at Wembley on Friday, coming on in their 6-0 Nations League win over Portugal.
“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,” Wiegman said. “I have loved working with her, she is
an amazing player and a great person. 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.”
