Fran Kirby: Lionesses star retires from England duty before Euro 2025

England attacking midfielder Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect before the European Championships.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Kirby says she is leaving the international scene with her "head held high".

The Brighton player, who scored 19 goals in 77 caps for the Lionesses, has been a key figure for England for more than a decade.

Kirby was named in Sarina Wiegman's squad for the Uefa Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain but was informed she would not be selected for the Euros starting on 2 July.

In her first interview after announcing her retirement, Kirby 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."

Speaking after England's 2-1 defeat by Spain, Wiegman said she "loved" working with Kirby, calling her "an amazing player and an incredible person too".

"She did everything to make the squad," added Wiegman. "She has always been ready to play and to perform, helping others and doing whatever I asked her to do.

"I said to her she most likely would not make the squad, even though things could change quickly."

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