England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her surprise retirement from international football, just five weeks before the Lionesses begin their European Championship title defence in Switzerland.
The 32-year-old, who earned 53 caps over eight years, was instrumental in England’s Euro 2022 triumph and their run to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Despite her recent loss of the starting spot to Hannah Hampton, manager Sarina Wiegman was still keen to include Earps in her Euro 2025 squad.
But Earps has now decided to step aside, saying:
“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.”
In a heartfelt message on social media, she added:
“It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to wear this badge and represent my country. I wish I could do it forever, but sadly all good things must come to an end.”
Widely regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, Earps was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023.
