Mary Earps Honoured with Emotional Wembley Farewell
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps received a rousing reception at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday evening, as the Lionesses faced Spain in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The event served as a heartfelt retirement send-off for Earps, who stepped away from international duty last year after a distinguished career with the national team.
A Celebration of a Storied Career
Earps, who earned 53 caps and kept 26 clean sheets for England, was celebrated on the pitch before the match. She was presented with a framed shirt commemorating her 53 international appearances, along with a bouquet of flowers, in recognition of her significant contributions to women's football. The warm applause from the crowd suggested that any lingering controversy from her recent autobiography had largely been set aside by fans.
England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her hopes for the occasion prior to the game, stating that Earps deserved a great farewell. "It shows what she has done for the game, what she has done for England," Wiegman remarked. "She is an inspiration for so many people, particularly young goalkeepers. She deserves a great farewell. I hope we celebrate her and it will be a nice moment."
Overcoming Past Controversy
The reception marked a notable shift from previous reactions. Earps had faced backlash following the publication of her explosive autobiography, 'All In', in November last year. In the book, she criticised Wiegman's decision to restore Hannah Hampton to the squad, a move that preceded Earps' retirement after losing her starting position shortly before Euro 2025.
Since then, Earps has acknowledged the fallout, telling The Guardian in February that she learned "some tough lessons" and that there were "clearly things that I could have done better." Her only appearance in England since the book's release—a return to former club Manchester United in the Women's Champions League—was met with a mix of cheers and boos, making Tuesday's overwhelmingly positive response at Wembley all the more significant.
Key Moments and Team Support
During the pre-match celebrations, Earps was warmly embraced by teammates including Leah Williamson, Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh, and Alessia Russo as the England squad concluded their warm-up. This display of camaraderie underscored the respect she commands within the team, despite past disagreements.
Earps' career highlights are substantial: she became England's first-choice goalkeeper in 2021, played a pivotal role in their Euro 2022 triumph, and was instrumental in their run to the 2023 World Cup final, where she was recognised as the world's best keeper. Her retirement followed Hampton's ascent to the starting role, a transition that sparked the initial controversy.
FA's Ongoing Recognition Efforts
The Football Association has been proactive in honouring former England players upon their international retirements. This event follows similar send-offs for other Lionesses legends, such as Euros winner Fran Kirby before a friendly against China in November, and former captain Steph Houghton before a match with Germany in October 2024.
Wiegman reflected on the broader context, noting, "I think some people have been disappointed, some people will be thinking she is inspirational, everyone will have an opinion. But let's cherish the moments we had together. Mary had a great career and for us was the world's best. She played important games and now she has moved on. Let's all celebrate her."
The evening at Wembley not only highlighted Earps' legacy but also showcased the enduring spirit of the Lionesses as they continue to inspire future generations in women's football.
