Lionesses star Fran Kirby has decided to retire from international football immediately, just weeks 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 since debuting in 2014.

The attacking midfielder, who plays for Brighton, also started all six of the Lionesses games during their memorable Euro 2022 triumph.

Commenting on her decision, Kirby shared with BBC Sport: ‘I’ve been contemplating this for over a year. I knew this would be my final 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, 31, has announced her retirement from international football

Kirby won 77 caps for England and was part of the Lionesses side that triumphed at Euro 2022

Kirby (centre) made the decision to retire after being informed she would not be at Euro 2025

‘It felt like both a blow to my heart and a relief at the same time. It was an emotional conversation, but we respected each other’s perspectives.’

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 substitute 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, which was communicated to team-mates after the Spain game. ‘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.’

Kirby, a two-time PFA Women’s Footballer of The Year, who also won five Women’s FA Cup trophies and seven WSL titles during nine glittering years at Chelsea, insisted she still had much more to give to the club game. 

The 31-year-old has battled significant injury issues and illness during her career, which included struggling with fatigue ahead of Euro 2022, while she also missed the 2023 World Cup due to a knee injury.

Kirby’s last international appearance came against Portugal at Wembley on Friday evening

Kirby shared an emotional statement on social media in the aftermath of her retirement

Her retirement comes just a week after goalkeeper Mary Earps turned her back on England 

Meanwhile, her retirement comes a week after Mary Earps also took the decision to bring her Lionesses career to a close in a move that was a major shock. 

‘I’ve spent a long time making this decision, and it’s not one I’ve taken lightly,’ Earps said last Tuesday.

‘Ultimately, this feels like the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.’ 

Earps had Sarina Wiegman’s first-choice goalkeeper since the Dutch coach took charge in September 2021, but recently found herself in competition with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No 1 shirt at this summer’s tournament.

The 2023 Sports Personality of the Year winner had slipped down the pecking order, having been left out of England’s most recent matches against Belgium and Wiegman admitted in April that Hampton was ‘a little bit ahead’ of Earps.

Responding to Earps’ decision to retire, Wiegman, who was reportedly angered, had said: ‘I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. Mary has been clear on her reasons for making this decision, and it is something we need to accept.

‘Mary has made a huge contribution not only to the team, but to English football as a whole. We will cherish those memories and, of course, give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer. 

‘For now, the focus must remain on the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures and the EUROs.’

The Lionesses are next in action on June 29 when they face Jamaica in a friendly, before their Euro 2025 campaign gets underway on July 5 against France.