Fran Kirby returns to England fold after missing World Cup

Good news England fans, Fran Kirby is back in the England squad after missing the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Manager Sarina Wiegman confirmed Chelsea’s Reading-born attacker was back in the Lionesses squad on Tuesday after returning to training and the Blues first team after knee surgery that saw her miss the World Cup.

Kirby is back in the squad along with former Reading FC Women goalkeeper Mary Earps but there was no place for Arsenal star Beth Mead who remains on the road to recovery.

England Lionesses face back to back games against Belgium on October 27th at Wembley and then four days later in Europe as part of the Women’s Nation’s League competition.

Elsewhere, Reading FC Women winger Freya Gregory is in the England under 23 squad for a game in Italy on 26th October and then at the Joie Stadium (Manchester City) to face Portugal on 30th October.

Joining Gregory – who is on a season long loan from Aston Villa – is former Royals star Emma Harries (now at West Ham United) and Kiera Skeels of Bristol City.

Listen to the latest episode of Berkshire Football Stories including more on Freya below, or find it on your favourite podcast app here.