Reading Women Academy graduate Fran Kirby said England’s 2-1 win in the 2022 European Championship quarter final is a moment she “won’t ever forget.”
29-year-old Kirby has started every game for the Lionesses in the competition, lasting 65 minutes on Wednesday night of the dramatic comeback win.
Spending over a decade with the Royals, making her debut aged just 16, she left for Chelsea in 2015 and has become one of the most decorated players in the history of the women’s game.
READ MORE: European Championship 2022: Reading FC great on England chances
Attending school in Caversham, she has gone on to win five WSL titles, three FA Cups, among other club and personal accolades.
"Belief" is the word from the #Lionesses after last night's dramatic win over #ESP.@lilkeets & @frankirby explain what's different this time around for #ENG heading into another tournament semi-final.
— Anton Toloui (@SkyAnton) July 21, 2022
The latest from the team base after an evening to remember at #WEURO2022. pic.twitter.com/GgX8TjVRJh
Speaking to Sky Sports after Sarina Wiegman's side booked their place in Tuesday night’s semi-final in Sheffield, the 60-capped international beamed: “Hopefully it spurs everyone on to believe in us a little bit more. It’s been amazing with the fans and everyone supporting us in the country, we just want to keep doing what we’re doing and hopefully we can reach that final where everyone can support us even more. It’s been incredible and something I won’t ever forget.”
READ MORE: Euro 2022: Support for England star Fran Kirby erected in Reading
The Lionesses will have to overcome either Sweden or Belgium in the Bramall Lane last four before thinking about the showpiece final at Wembley next weekend.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here