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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 20: Mary Earps of England holds her golden glove award during the FIFA … More Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images,)
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England goalkeeper Mary Earps has made the stunning decision to retire from representing her national team ahead of the UEFA Women’s Euro this summer.
Earps, who was named in a 27-player England squad just two weeks ago for upcoming Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain has pulled out of the squad and will not play for the Lionesses again. She announced her decision in an Instagram post this morning.
The 32-year-old had earned herself a cult status among England fans after being an ever-present during the country’s victory on home soil during UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. She became known around the land as ‘Mary Queen of Stops’ and was also voted as the first Lioness to be immortalised in a waxwork at London’s Madame Tussauds.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 31: Mary Earps dance on the Press Conference table as players of England … More interrupt the Press Conference with Sarina Wiegman, Manager of England, after the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on July 31, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Sarah Stier – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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The goalkeeper had been voted The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper in 2022 and 2023, the first-ever player to win the award twice. She also won the Golden Glove Award at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup for her outstanding displays in helping drag an underwhelming England reach the final. There, she excelled again, becoming only the second goalkeeper in history, after Nadine Angerer, to save a penalty in regulation time in a World Cup final.
Earps blamed herself publicly for her mistake in the UEFA Nations League matches that followed which prevented the Lionesses qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games, the one major tournament she had yet to play in.
Since then, she has come under increasing pressure for the number one position from Chelsea’s 24-year-old Hannah Hampton, an ever-present in their unbeaten league season. Although the two keepers have both started matches, it has become increasingly clear that England head coach Sarina Wiegman has favoured Hampton in the bigger matches, most notably in a 1-0 over world champions Spain at Wembley in February.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Mary Earps, goalkeeper of England and Hannah Hampton, goalkeeper of … More England warm up before the UEFA Women’s Nations League 2024/25 Grp A3 MD2 match between England and Spain at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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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.”
Sarina Wiegman admitted that “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. 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 UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”
The Telegraph in England has reported that Wiegman was “angered” at the timing of Earps’ decision which is now bound to overshadow England’s preparations to defend their European title in Switzerland in July.
Nevertheless, after winning 53 caps for the Lionesses over an eight-year period, Earps will go down as a legend in the history of the England national team. The English Football Association 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.”
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