Reading forward Fran Kirby has admitted her international call-up for the 2015 Women’s World Cup surprised her, despite her explosive start to the season.
The 21-year-old currently has eight senior caps for the England international side, and has impressed in the WSL 2 over the last two seasons. Finishing as the top scorer across both FA WSL tiers last campaign, she looks to improve on her 24 goals this year and has already netted 11 in just five games.
Her recent performances mean she has become the first player from the second tier to be named in an England squad for the Women’s World Cup finals.
Speaking to BBC Sport about her call-up, she commented: “It was more surprising than anything else. Obviously I’ve been playing well but it is a still always a shock to the system when you get a phone call saying you’re going to the World Cup.”
Kirby only made her international debut nine months ago against Sweden in August 2014, but England have won five of the eight games she has featured in. What is even more remarkable is the exceptional talent temporarily quit football four years ago, suffering from depression following a family death.
“I’m really thankful to Mark [Sampson] and the rest of the team for putting trust in me,” she added. “Two years ago, I wouldn’t have said I’d be anywhere near [the England squad]. I’m really proud to be here.
“I’ve been playing well for my club, scoring against Arsenal and Chelsea in the Continental Cup last season. A lot of teams don’t know much about me and I’m quite small, so a lot of teams could underestimate me.
“I don’t know much about them and they don’t know much about me, so it plays into my hands more than anything. The most important thing is gaining experience, especially at my age. I’m hoping to get as many minutes on the pitch as possible.”
Kirby is one of six strikers travelling to Canada for the World Cup, joining Toni Duggan, Eni Aluko, Lianne Sanderson, Jodie Taylor and Ellen White in Mark Sampson’s 23-player squad.
