# Fran Kirby Returns to England Squad After Knee Injury
England manager Sarina Wiegman has expressed her delight at the return of Fran Kirby, who has recovered from a serious knee injury to earn a recall for their two Women’s Nations League matches against Belgium later this month.
The match in Belgium, on 31 October, will be staged in Leuven, about 17 miles east of Brussels, where two Swedish nationals were shot dead by a gunman on Tuesday. Despite the tragic events, Wiegman says she feels safe travelling to Belgium for the game.
Kirby, who plays for Chelsea, has been out of action since April after undergoing surgery on her knee. She has since made a full recovery and is now ready to make her return to the international stage.
Wiegman said: “It’s great to have Fran back in the squad. She’s been out for a long time and it’s great to see her back fit and ready to play. She’s a great player and we’re delighted to have her back.”
Kirby is one of the most experienced players in the England squad, having made her debut in 2013. She has since gone on to become one of the most important players in the team, scoring 11 goals in 39 appearances for her country.
Kirby said: “I’m really excited to be back in the squad and I’m looking forward to getting back out on the pitch with my teammates. It’s been a long road but I’m feeling good and I can’t wait to get started.”
The match against Belgium will be England’s first competitive game since their World Cup semi-final defeat to the USA in July. Wiegman is confident that her side can put in a good performance and get their Nations League campaign off to a winning start.
She said: “We know it’s going to be a tough game but we’re confident that we can put in a good performance and get the win. We have a lot of quality in our squad and we’re looking forward to getting out there and showing what we can do.”
The match will also be an opportunity for Kirby to show what she can do after such a long absence from the international stage. She is sure to be an important player for England as they look to make an impact in the Nations League and qualify for the 2021 European Championships.
Kirby said: “I’m really looking forward to getting out there and playing again. It’s been a long time since I last played for England and I can’t wait to get back out there and show what I can do. I’m feeling fit and ready to go and I can’t wait to get started.”
England will be hoping that Kirby can help them get off to a winning start in the Nations League as they look to qualify for the 2021 European Championships. With Kirby back in the squad, they will be confident of getting off to a winning start against Belgium later this month.
READ MORE: [Fran Kirby back for England after knee surgery](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67138075)