Kirby follows Earps in retiring from international soccer duty with England
LONDON (AP) — Another member of England's European Championship-winning team has announced her retirement from international soccer, with midfielder Fran Kirby making her decision after missing out on selection for the team's title defense next month.
The 31-year-old Kirby, who played 77 games for England and scored 19 goals, stepped down from national team duty less than a week after goalkeeper Mary Earps did the same.
Kirby made her senior debut in August 2014 and represented England at four major tournaments, as well as featuring for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
She started in all of England's games at Euro 2022 on home soil, scoring two goals along the way as the Lionesses lifted their first major trophy with victory over Germany in the final at Wembley.
Her last appearance for England came off the bench during its 6-0 win over Portugal on Friday. She announced her decision on Instagram following the team's 2-1 loss to Spain on Tuesday.
'After being in the England team since I was 21, it's time to close that chapter of my life,' Kirby wrote.
'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 honor to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.'
Kirby was planning to retire from international duty after the upcoming Euros in Switzerland but has brought that forward after discovering she wouldn't be in Sarina Wiegman's squad for the tournament.
'When I had the conversation with Sarina and you know, she laid her plans out for the Euros, and she told me I wasn't going, unless someone got injured, I knew it was the moment where I'd outstayed my welcome,' Kirby told ESPN.
'I don't want to take the opportunity away from someone who can learn and to then set them up for the future. And I just didn't want to be waiting around every day, of 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.'
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
19 minutes ago
- CNN
Tottenham Hotspur sacks manager Ange Postecoglou, 16 days after famous Europa League victory
Tottenham Hotspur has sacked manager Ange Postecoglou just over two weeks since he guided the club to the Europa League title. 'Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,' Tottenham said in statement on social media Friday. Postecoglou led the North London club to its first piece of silverware in 17 years – and first European trophy in 41 years – with victory against Manchester United in the Europa League final just 16 days ago. However, Tottenham also endured its worst-ever season in the Premier League, finishing 17th in the table on 38 points, just one spot above the relegation zone. It means that the Australian has spent a mixed two years at the club after joining from Scottish side Celtic, ending the long wait for a trophy but also overseeing a dismal 22 losses in the league this past season. 'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club,' Tottenham said in a separate social media post. 'Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy.' Frequently derided by opposition fans for the lack of trophies in the team's recent history, the scrappy 1-0 victory against Man United in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao finally gave Spurs reason to celebrate. It also made good on Postecoglou's promise earlier in the season that he 'always wins things' in his second year at a club. The 59-year-old managed club teams in Australia – as well as the country's men's national team – Greece and Japan before joining Celtic in 2021, winning five trophies with the Scottish giant. Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League during Postecoglou's first season in charge, which followed the departure of record goalscorer Harry Kane. 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride,' Postecoglou said in a statement released by his management company. 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. 'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. 'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.'
Miami Herald
20 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Cargo ship carrying 3,000 vehicles ablaze off Alaska's coast
By Dean Murray A significant maritime emergency is unfolding as a cargo ship carrying over 3,000 vehicles is ablaze off Alaska. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said Friday (June 6) they are continuing to respond to a fire aboard the Morning Midas vessel, located approximately 340 miles southwest of the city of Adak. The 600-foot vessel, carrying vehicles including dozens of electric and hybrid models, caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a swift rescue operation. All 22 crew members evacuated safely into a life raft and were rescued by the nearby merchant vessel Cosco Hellas. No injuries have been reported among the crew, who remain aboard the Cosco Hellas as it continues its voyage. In an update Friday, the USCG said their HC-130J Super Hercules aircrew conducted an overflight and confirmed the vessel was still burning, though there were no signs of the ship taking on water or listing. The full extent of the damage remains unknown. London-based Zodiac Maritime, one of the world's largest shipping companies, manages the Morning Midas. They are coordinating with salvage specialists who are expected to arrive at the site early next week. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard has issued a Broadcast Notice to Mariners to alert vessels in the area and continues to monitor the situation closely. The Morning Midas was en route from Yantai, China, to a major Mexican port when the incident occurred. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The post Cargo ship carrying 3,000 vehicles ablaze off Alaska's coast appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
CNN
31 minutes ago
- CNN
Tottenham Hotspur sacks manager Ange Postecoglou, 16 days after famous Europa League victory
Tottenham Hotspur has sacked manager Ange Postecoglou just over two weeks since he guided the club to the Europa League title. 'Following a review of performances and after significant reflection, the Club can announce that Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties,' Tottenham said in statement on social media Friday. Postecoglou led the North London club to its first piece of silverware in 17 years – and first European trophy in 41 years – with victory against Manchester United in the Europa League final just 16 days ago. However, Tottenham also endured its worst-ever season in the Premier League, finishing 17th in the table on 38 points, just one spot above the relegation zone. It means that the Australian has spent a mixed two years at the club after joining from Scottish side Celtic, ending the long wait for a trophy but also overseeing a dismal 22 losses in the league this past season. 'We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the Club,' Tottenham said in a separate social media post. 'Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy.' Frequently derided by opposition fans for the lack of trophies in the team's recent history, the scrappy 1-0 victory against Man United in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao finally gave Spurs reason to celebrate. It also made good on Postecoglou's promise earlier in the season that he 'always wins things' in his second year at a club. The 59-year-old managed club teams in Australia – as well as the country's men's national team – Greece and Japan before joining Celtic in 2021, winning five trophies with the Scottish giant. Spurs finished fifth in the Premier League during Postecoglou's first season in charge, which followed the departure of record goalscorer Harry Kane. 'When I reflect on my time as Manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride,' Postecoglou said in a statement released by his management company. 'The opportunity to lead one of England's historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime. Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget. 'That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream. There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible. 'We have also laid foundations that mean this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.'
