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Lioness Fran Kirby announces retirement from international football

Fran Kirby.Getty Images

England midfielder Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football.

The Brighton player, who scored 19 goals in 77 caps for the Lionesses, had been told she wouldn't be selected for the Euros, which begin in Switzerland next month.

The 31-year-old made her senior team debut in 2014 and went on to represent England at four major tournaments, as well as featuring for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics.

Kirby explained she "didn't ever want this day to come" and called it "the biggest honour" to have represented her country.

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Fran Kirby with the ball during the Portugal match.Getty Images

Kirby's final England appearance was in the 6-0 Nations League win over Portugal last week

Fran ed Reading's academy at the age of seven and made her senior debut for the team at sixteen.

After three years with the club, she signed for Chelsea, where she helped the west London side win seven Women's Super League (WSL) titles and five Women's FA Cup trophies.

Her skills also earned her two PFA Women's Footballer of the Year awards.

Kirby also enjoyed huge success with the Lionesses.

She claimed bronze at the 2015 World Cup and played a key role in England's historic Euro 2022 win.

She started in all of England's games, scoring two goals along the way as the Lionesses lifted their first major trophy on home soil with victory over in the final at Wembley.

Her last appearance for England came from the bench during their 6-0 win over Portugal last week, and she announced her decision following the team's 2-1 defeat by Spain.

Fran Kirby holding the Euro 2022 trophy.Getty Images

Writing on social media, Kirby explained: "After being in the England team since I was 21, it's time to close that chapter of my life."

She added, "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."

England boss Sarina Wiegman was full of praise for the midfielder.

"Fran has given so much to England and has been an inspiration to 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," Wiegman said.

Kirby's news comes just days after goalkeeper Mary Earps also made the decision to retire from international football before next month's Euros.

England, along with Wales, have qualified for the tournament which takes place in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July.