Fran Kirby has become the second England player to retire just weeks before Sarina Wiegman’s side defend their European Championship title in Switzerland.
Having represented England at four major tournaments, including starting every game of the Euros triumph in 2022, Kirby joins Mary Earps in bowing out of international football.
Earps called time on her own England career last week after losing her starting place to Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, in a move that left Wiegman “disappointed and sad”.
Kirby’s decision comes just four weeks out from the tournament – and after she had played in Friday’s 6-0 thrashing of Portugal at Wembley.
She withdrew from the squad for Tuesday’s match against Spain late and told her England team-mates after the 2-1 defeat of the decision to retire.
She announced her decision on social media after the match having been told by Wiegman she was unlikely to make the Euros squad.
“After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life,” wrote the 31-year-old Brighton midfielder. “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.”
In an interview with the BBC about her retirement, Kirby explained that she had been mulling retirement for more than a year and knew that this summer’s Euros would be her last major tournament for England.
She added: “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. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.”
Reacting to the news on Tuesday, Wiegman said: “First of all, I love working with her. I think she has had an incredible career, which is still going on. She’s an amazing player, she’s an incredible person too. She did everything to make the squad. She has always been ready to play, ready to perform, helping others, whatever I asked her to do.
“Over time, Fran and I have had several conversations. She has been unlucky with injuries too, she always fought back and still had some opportunities to play. I told her she was most likely not going to make the squad, we had these honest conversations. I think she’s an inspiration to a lot of people and an example.”
Kirby started every game in Euro 2022, represented Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics after making her international debut in 2014, and finishes her career with 77 caps and 19 goals.
She added: “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 WSL2, 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.”