Fran Kirby says she wouldn't change her 'rollercoaster' journey as she closes in on a 'special' 50th England cap.
The Chelsea forward will reach the milestone if she plays in the World Cup qualifier with Latvia on Tuesday evening but there was a time when she thought her international career may be over.
In November 2019 Kirby was diagnosed with pericarditis, a rare condition that is caused by fluid and inflammation of the sac that protects the heart.
The illness left her barely able to walk and kept her out of the game for eight months and the 28-year-old came close to early retirement.