FORMER Maiden Erlegh student, Fran Kirby, starred for England during their opening game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 as they beat Scotland 2-1.
Kirby started for England as they kicked off their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 triumph over rivals Scotland in Group D.
England impressed with a dominant first-half performance with number 10 Kirby at the heart of the action as she won her side a penalty after her cross struck the arm of Scotland defender Nicola Docherty.
Nikita Parris converted from the spot to give England the lead as Kirby recorded her first assist of the tournament.
Kirby was again involved as she battled to regain possession and threaded the ball through to Ellen White who doubled the Lionesses lead as the former Reading forward earned her second assist of the game.
Kirby joined her hometown club Reading at seven years-old before making her senior debut at 16. She scored a remarkable 68 league goals for the Royals in 42 appearances before leaving for Chelsea in 2015.
Her outstanding performances have continued for both club and country which saw her awarded with the Football Writers Footballer of the Year award for the 2017/18 season which included scoring at Wembley Stadium as Chelsea lifted the FA Women’s Cup in 2018.
Maiden Erlegh school headteacher Moira Green said: “Fran is an inspiration to our students. She demonstrates the qualities that we, at Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge, continue to nurture. Our curriculum is rich and broad ensuring that our students leave with qualifications, skills, understanding, resilience and confidence to pursue their chosen career. We wish Fran and the England Women’s team the best of luck in chasing their dreams.”
Kirby is expected to be in action again for England as they prepare to face Argentina on Friday evening in their penultimate group game, with a win guaranteeing the Lionesses a place in the second knockout round.
