Another former Reading FC star has announced their retirement from playing international football for England.
Following on from Mary Earps’ shock announcement last week that she will no longer play for the Lionesses, another former Royal in Fran Kirby has also confirmed that she has played her last game for England.
Kirby, born in Reading, made her name with her hometown club as she joined Reading’s youth set up in 2001 at the age of seven.
Kirby went on to score an astonishing 68 goals in 43 games for Reading.
Having captured the attention of all the top clubs across the country, Kirby made the move to Chelsea in 2015.
In a nine year spell with Chelsea, she became a club legend as she netted 63 times in 114 Women’s Super League matches, helping the Blues win seven league titles and five FA Cups.
Kirby also played a starring role as England won the Women’s European Championship in 2022.
She made a total of 77 appearances across an 11-year spell for England.
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.”
