England news: Football legend Fran Kirby retires from international football ahead of England’s Euros title defence
Football legend, Francesca Kirby, has closed the curtains on an illustrious international career for England.
Fran Kirby’s announcement comes not even a week after another announcement shocked the football world - Mary Earp’s own retirement from international football.
The Brighton midfielder made the shock announcement ahead of England's Euro 2025 campaign, and before Sarina Wiegman could even name her squad for the tournament - the 23 players will be revealed on Thursday, June 5.
Sports News Blitz deputy content editor Nicole Powell reflects on Kirby’s international career.
A legendary career
The 31-year-old has achieved much to be proud of on the football stage, for both club and country.
She has 77 caps and 19 goals to her name, but her impact on the England team goes beyond the numbers.
Dubbed ‘mini-Messi’ by her teammates, Kirby’s mastery in midfield was nothing short of breathtaking - a gift the football world was lucky to witness.
What made her stand out even more was the adversities she faced throughout her career.
Having battled both injuries and a heart condition - pericarditis - for Kirby to be able to fight through it all and come back like she never left was a testament to how naturally gifted she is.
Kirby has represented England across four major tournaments, having made her international debut against Sweden back in the summer of 2014.
She has represented Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics.
The midfield maestro’s international successes include a Bronze medal at the 2025 World Cup and a triumphant individual campaign at the 2022 Euros where England won the prestigious title.
Kirby’s final bow for England came in England’s 6-0 victory over Portugal on Friday, May 30, coming on as a substitute.
She announced her retirement from international football shortly after England’s 2-1 defeat on Tuesday, June 3 in the UEFA Women’s Nations League.
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A painful yet beautiful realisation
Kirby revealed that she came to the decision after speaking with the national team’s head coach about her chances of playing in the upcoming tournament.
After Wiegman admitted that Kirby’s only chance of being called up to the Euro 2025 camp is if one of the players pulled out due to injury before the Thursday deadline.
The conversation made the former Chelsea star feel like she had "outstayed her welcome" on the international stage.
Speaking to ESPN, Kirby said "I don't want to take the opportunity away from someone who can learn [and which can] then set them up for the future.
"I didn't want to be waiting around every day, keeping that faint hope going just in case I was going to 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 absolutely everything at the beginning of the year, I've given everything my whole career and I'm okay with Sarina's decision because at the end of the day - it just wasn't enough. I'm okay with that as I know I gave absolutely everything."
Before taking to social media to make a public statement on her decision to retire from international football, Kirby spoke to her teammates.
In her own words
Fran Kirby’s heartfelt message to the fans and media at large 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 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 per cent.
"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."
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