Published: 21:14 BST, 3 June 2025 | Updated: 21:24 BST, 3 June 2025
Lionesses star Fran Kirby has announced her retired from international football with immediate effect, less than a month before Euro 2025 begins.
Kirby, 31, has been a key player for England for more than a decade, racking up 77 caps for her country.
The attacking midfielder, who plays for Brighton, started all six of the Lionesses games during their memorable Euro 2022 triumph.
However, Kirby was informed by Sarina Wiegman that she would not be part of the squad for this summer's international tournament and subsequently made the decision to hang up her boots.
Reflecting on her choice, Kirby told BBC Sport: '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.
Lionesses star Fran Kirby has announced her retired from international football with immediate effect
'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.'
Kirby was part of Wiegman's squad for the Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain over recent days, coming on as a second half substitue in the 6-0 victory over the former on Friday.
However, she was not named in the matchday squad against Spain and following a conversation with the Dutch coach, made up her mind.
'When I woke up in the morning after telling Sarina, I didn't feel any regret,' added Kirby when further explaining her retirement. 'That's when I knew I'd made the right decision.
'I've been on this team for a long time, it's not going to be a shock that it was coming to an end. You get to a certain age and there are some really good youngsters that are coming through.'
'I've put everything into this and feel like I have had a good domestic year. I've fought hard to be in the Euros squad but unfortunately that's not enough."
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