Fran Kirby played her last minutes for England in the 5-0 victory against Portugal last Friday at Wembley after it was announced that she would retire for international duty with immediate effect ahead of the Euros next month.
Fran Kirby was unavailable to be selected against Spain, with the manager preferring Ella Toone.
She announced her retirement from international football an hour after England lost 2-1 after scoring the first goal through Alessia Russo to end their UEFA Nations League journey.
The 31-year-old played every game in the Euros 2022 victory but was ruled out of the World Cup the following year due to injury.
She originally planned to retire after the Euros. Still, after Sarina Weigman told the Brighton forward she would not be selected for the squad heading to Switzerland unless one of her teammates got injured before Thursday's deadline, she decided to retire.
Her reaction to not being selected was: “Like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time.
“It was emotional for us, but we both respected each person's words.”
She stated that her absence from the Euros 2025 squad had led her to believe she had “outstayed her welcome.”
However, her retirement was also influenced by a desire to focus on her domestic career and leave on her terms, with her head held high, knowing she had given everything.
She spoke about her mother, who passed suddenly when Kirby was just 14 years old.
“My mum had a dream of me representing my country, and I'm so proud I could do that and play in front of you all.”
The forward expressed her desire to allow younger players to experience and benefit from international football.
Sarina Wiegman called the lioness “a fantastic player and an incredible person.
“She did everything to may the squad.
“She has always, when she was in camp, been ready to play and to perform, helping others and doing whatever I ask her to do.
“There is a time, I guess you stop.
“She has to get used to that.
“I am proud of her and grateful I got to work with her.”
She posted this toInstagram.
“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 most significant honour to represent my country, which I had only dreamt about as a young girl.
“I've played with incredible players, worked with incredible managers, played in fantastic tournaments and have irreplaceable memories.
“I want you all to know that I gave 100% every time I put on that England badge.
“Every single call up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team.
“I will never forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium.”
The ex-Chelsea player was first selected when she played in WSL 2 (also known as the championship). She was the first player from that division to be called to the England senior squad in 2014.
She played a part in the game-changing World Cup 2015, winning a bronze. For this, she earned the nickname “mini Messi” from former boss Mark Sampson.
Lucy Bronze said she deserved the nickname because she lit the stage in an England shirt.
She continued: “I think all the players who now play for England probably dreamed of playing with Fran Kirby one day. She was that good.”
Seven years later, she won the Euros and described it as a dream come true. Being part of the team that changed women’s football was one of her best experiences.
She said, “Thank you to you all for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream.
“I hope you all know that wearing that badge was an incredible honour.
“To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can.
“You can.”
She signed off as forever a lioness.
She leaves with 77 caps and 19 goals and has represented her country at four major tournaments.
Speaking to ESPN, Kirby said: "I didn't want to be waiting around every day, keeping that faint hope going just in case I would get a chance.
“I don't think that would've been fair on my head either.
"I'm not embarrassed by this at all.
“I gave everything at the beginning of the year, I've given everything my whole career, and I'm okay with Sarina's decision because it just wasn't enough.
“I'm okay with that, as I know I gave everything."
Kirby told the team after the game in Barcelona, but this decision was understood to have been made a little while ago.
England confirmed that tributes will be paid to Kirby's international career at a Lionesses match after the summer.
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