'Inspiration' Kirby retires from international football with England women

The 31-year-old, who won 77 caps with the Lionesses, was one of England's heroes as they won Euro 2022 on home soil.

Kirby, who now plays for Brighton, enjoyed the best years of her career at Chelsea where she won seven Women's Super League titles, five Women's FA Cups and was twice crowned the PFA Women's Footballer of the Year.

"The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina I'm not going to make the squad," Kirby told the BBC. "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 had been a part of the England squad for Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain and told her team-mates after a 2-1 defeat to the Spanish on Tuesday.

Regarded from early in her career as one of the most talented English players of her generation, Kirby had continually battled back from major injuries and openly spoke about her mental health struggles.

"Incredible footballer," said Wiegman. "(Her) touch, vision, positioning, game understanding, connections, but as a person, what she's had in front of her and coming back every time has been incredible too.

"She's been an inspiration for a lot of people and an incredible example." The news comes just days after goalkeeper Mary Earps also announced her shock retirement from international football just weeks before England attempt to defend their Euros title in Switzerland.