How Fran Kirby, Ilona Maher and Aryna Sabalenka are protecting next generation from body image concerns

"Everyone should feel that they can do whatever they want to their body and look the way that they want to look. And as long as you're happy with it, and as long as you make yourself happy every day, then who cares what anyone else has to say?"

A pivotal part of England's European Championship success in 2022, starting every match in their triumph on home soil, the Brighton attacking midfielder has long been an advocate for speaking out about taboos in women's sport.

From one of the first female footballers to talk about mental health having battled depression, anxiety and burnout, Kirby, who won 77 caps during an 11-year international career and won 14 domestic titles across her illustrious Chelsea career, has also spoken openly about the impact of social media abuse and comments on her body type throughout her career.

Now 32, and one of the senior players at Brighton, Kirby uses that experience to help support the younger players and next generation to make them feel body positive.