Lionesses star Fran Kirby follows Mary Earps in retiring from England just weeks before Euro 2025

LIONESSES star Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

Kirby, 31, has decided to end her international career after being informed that she wouldn’t be part of Sarina Weigman’s squad for the Euros.

Fran Kirby has retired from International footballRichard Pelham / The Sun

A statement released on Kirby’s Instagram read: “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 some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories.”

She added: “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 ever have 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.”

Kirby, who plays her club football for Brighton, had been selected for England’s Uefa Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.

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However, after finding out she wouldn’t be kept on for the Euros starting next month, Kirby told her England team-mates of the decision after Tuesday’s clash against Spain.

Speaking to the BBC following her announcement, Kirby revealed that she was planning on hanging up her boots after the Euros.

She said: “It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament.

“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.”

While also revealing that the decision has been influenced by trying to protect her body.

She added: “Everyone knows the injuries that I’ve had and I’ve been protecting my body.

“This is part of that. But I feel like I’ve got so much to give in football. I’m already looking forward to the domestic season.”

Kirby was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning side and leaves the national set up having represented the Lionesses 77 times.

The two-time PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year winner isn’t the first England superstar to retire from international duty before next months tournament.

Goalkeeper Mary Earps shocked the nation – and her manager – when she announced her international retirement last week.

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