The red-hot Reading FC Women striker hasnetted 11 times in five games this season, averaging just over two goals per game.

Kirby missed the Royals’ home victory over Everton last week through injury but becomes the first woman at Reading to represent England at a World Cup tournament.

The 21-year-old was clearly delighted and took to Twitter to share her joy that she will be present when England kick-off their campaign against France on Tuesday, June 9.

She tweeted: “So excited to be part of this England team going into my first World Cup in Canada #lionesses.”

The forward scored the winner for England against China last month and is one of seven forwards named in Mark Sampson’s squad.

“This is a hugely exciting time for all the staff and players,” she said.

“We’re ranked sixth in the world, we are a good team and we’ve got some exceptional players.

“We’ve got a very compact, resolute unit and we’ve got a real togetherness in the group so we’ll certainly be a difficult opponent for anyone in Canada.

“I think as a group of staff we’re very clear about the direction we want to take the team in during the tournament and hopefully the players can pull together.

“With this group in particular we have a large number of players who have performed very well and contributed to get this team to where it is now.

“The ambition is to go to Canada and win the competition.”