Mary Earps announces shock England retirement ahead of Euros | OneFootball

Sarina Wiegman ‘disappointed’ as Lionesses star takes ‘difficult decision’ to ‘step aside’

Mary Earps has announced her decision to retire from England duty, just months before the Lionesses defend their European Championship title this summer.

Earps was also England’s No1 when they reached the World Cup final in 2023, winning the Golden Glove at the tournament and then BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

But the 32-year-old’s place in the side has come under threat recently from Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

Earps saved a penalty in the 2023 World Cup final as England lost to Spain

AP

Hampton has started the last three England games, including their 1-0 win over world champions Spain in February.

Explaining her retirement, Earps has said she has taken the “difficult decision” to “step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive”.

Earps said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.

“I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.

“Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”

England are in action this week when they host Portugal on Friday. The Lionesses will then travel to Spain four days later for the final game of their Nations League campaign.

Earps had been named in the squad for those matches and her immediate retirements means Hampton, Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse are the three goalkeepers available to head coach Sarina Wiegman.

Hampton should start both games and is now expected to be England’s No1 at the Euros this summer.

Wiegman has been left “disappointed” by Earps’ decision.

Earps is a leader in the dressing room and has been a huge driver in the growth of the women’s game - both on and off the pitch.

“I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,” said Wiegman.

“Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.

“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.

“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”

The Football Association have said a full tribute to Earps’ international career and her significant contribution to English football will be made at a Lionesses’ fixture after the summer.