Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football, bringing an abrupt end to a decorated England career. The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023 after her heroics at the World Cup, confirmed the news on Instagram, stating it was 'the greatest honour and privilege of my life' to represent her country.
Earps' decision comes after she lost her place as England's number one goalkeeper to Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. England manager Sarina Wiegman had recently indicated that Hampton was 'a little bit ahead' in the pecking order. The timing of the retirement, just five weeks before Euro 2025, has reportedly angered Wiegman, who expressed her disappointment in a statement.
In a heartfelt letter to fans, teammates and staff, Earps said: '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 moment to step aside.' She added that she had 'no regrets' and hoped she had left the jersey in a better place.
Earps, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, was a key figure in England's Euro 2022 triumph and their run to the World Cup final in 2023. She also won the Golden Glove at both tournaments. Her retirement leaves England without one of their elite goalkeepers as they prepare to defend their European title in Switzerland this summer.
