England’s Mary Earps has annouced that she will retire from international football with immediate effect.
In a statement that caused shockwaves on Tuesday morning, the 32-year-old goalkeeper wrote: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge and represent my country. I am a proper sop when it comes to playing for England, anyone who knows me knows that playing at the top of the game is what drives me, and it doesn’t get bigger than the international stage. I wish I could do it forever, but sadly all good things must come to an end.”
“My journey has never been the simplest, so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament,” she continued. “Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision. There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right time for me to step aside. This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer.”
Earps’ England career spanned eight years in which she reached the very top of the international game and received the highest accolades. Amassing 53 senior caps, she played a significant role in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 and Finalissima 2023 victories as well as their journey to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Final in 2023. She won the Golden Glove in that tournament where England finished as runners-up, famously saving a penalty from Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso.
She changed the landscape for goalkeepers in England, winning two The Best FIFA Goalkeeper Awards and also the BBC’s famous Sports Personality of the Year Award in 2023. She was involved in a high-profile and public discussion with Nike which eventually led to the company agreeing to sell her goalkeeper shirts to the general public.
England manager Sarina Wiegman was clearly saddened by the news. “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,” she said. “She has been clear on the reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.”
“She 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 her 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 Euro 2025.”
Her decision means that Earps will no longer play a part in the squad that is meeting this week for their two final Nations League games against Portugal and Spain. Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse will continue to be the trio of goalkeepers for the conclusion of the group stages as they look to top League A, Group 3.
