Mary Earps, England’s 32-year-old goalkeeper and a pivotal figure in the Lionesses’ recent successes, has announced her immediate retirement from international football.
The decision comes just over a month before the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland, leaving the national team without one of its most experienced players.
Mary Earps
Goalkeeper – England & PSG
Age: 32
International Caps
53
Clean Sheets
28
Saves (WWC 2023)
23
Save Rate
86%
Career Highlights
- UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 Champion
- FIFA World Cup 2023 Finalist
- 2023 FIFA Best Goalkeeper
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023
A Sudden Departure
Earps, who earned 53 caps over an eight-year international career, cited a desire to “step aside and allow the next generation to emerge” as the primary reason for her retirement.
The announcement follows her recent demotion to second-choice goalkeeper behind Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, a move that reportedly influenced her decision.
Career Highlights
Earps’ tenure with the national team was marked by significant achievements.
She played a crucial role in England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 victory and was instrumental in their journey to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, where she earned the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper.
Her performances also earned her back-to-back FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards and the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Reaction from the Camp
England head coach Sarina Wiegman expressed disappointment over Earps’ decision but acknowledged her contributions to the team.
“Mary has been a cornerstone of our success, and while we respect her choice, her presence will be missed,” Wiegman stated.
Teammates and fans alike have taken to social media to pay tribute to Earps, celebrating her leadership and impact on the sport.
A formal acknowledgment of her career is expected to take place after the summer tournament.
Implications for Euro 2025
With Earps’ departure, the goalkeeping responsibilities are expected to fall to Hannah Hampton, with Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse providing support.
The sudden change raises concerns about the team’s experience in the position as they prepare to defend their European title.
England’s Euro 2025 campaign begins on July 5 against France in Group D, which also includes the Netherlands and Wales.
The team will need to adapt quickly to the new dynamics to maintain their competitive edge.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Beyond her on-field accomplishments, Earps has been a trailblazer for women’s football in England.
Her journey from being dropped from the national team to becoming a world-renowned goalkeeper serves as an inspiration to many.
As she continues her club career with Paris Saint-Germain, Earps’ influence on the sport is expected to endure.
Your Opinion Matters
What do you think about Mary Earps’ retirement from international football before Euro 2025?
