FRANTASTIC

Kirby goes from oxygen tent to vital Euro role after illness agony

Switzerland v England Women’s friendly, tomorrow, 5pm

THERE are few guessing games with Sarina Wiegman.

The England coach (right) has picked her strongest line-up for each of the warm-up friendlies ahead of the Euros.

And it has shown that one key position could still be up for grabs with just a week – and the final friendly in Switzerland tomorrow – to go before England’s opener with Austria at Old Trafford.

It could mean a quite remarkable story for Fran

Kirby (left) who, just two months ago was using an oxygen tent to get fit for the tournament, but is now one of the three contenders to play the No.10 role.

The Chelsea star, 28, started England’s 5-1 demolition of Holland last Friday and is now looking to show she is ready to kick off the tournament.

Georgia Stanway began in the friendly against Belgium while Ella Toone came on for Kirby as a second-half substitute against the Dutch.

There can be little doubt that a fully fit Kirby would have the edge. And the way she has battled back from the brink of despair shows she is up for the fight. In April, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes declared that Kirby was out for the foreseeable future, suffering from extreme fatigue. That may have been a knock-on effect of health, fitness and personal issues but there has been no specific diagnosis, cure or answer. Instead, Kirby had to manage her way through those difficult weeks, using an oxygen tent installed at home and also deciding to go public on social media with the problem. That prompted other sports stars to make contact and offer help and advice. She has gone from struggling to take her dog for a five-minute walk to getting back to full match fitness. It is an incredible comeback.

England’s group matches are all sold out and the FA have announced there will be a nine-day fan party in Trafalgar Square leading up to the final, with similar events also taking place in the other host cities.

Showcase Cinemas will also be screening all the England games free of charge. All people have to do is book online.