England's beloved goalkeeper Mary Earps has sent shockwaves through the football world by revealing she may hang up her gloves after the Women's Euro 2025 tournament. The Lionesses' last line of defence, who became a national hero during their Euro 2022 triumph, admitted she's "taking it tournament by tournament" when discussing her international future.
The Heartbeat of England's Defence
Earps, who turned 31 this year, has been instrumental in England's recent successes, including their historic European Championship win. Her penalty-saving heroics and commanding presence have made her one of the most recognisable faces in women's football.
"Time to Focus on Myself"
In a candid interview, the Manchester United shot-stopper explained: "I'm taking it tournament by tournament at the minute. There comes a point where you have to start prioritising yourself." This surprising revelation comes just as England prepares for crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers against France and Sweden.
What This Means for the Lionesses
Earps' potential departure would leave a massive void in Sarina Wiegman's squad. The Nottingham-born keeper has earned 50 caps since her 2017 debut, becoming a talismanic figure for both club and country. Her possible retirement raises urgent questions about England's goalkeeping succession plan.
A Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Beyond her on-field heroics, Earps has become a powerful advocate for women's football, challenging Nike to sell replica goalkeeper shirts and inspiring a generation of young players. Whether Euro 2025 marks her swansong or not, her impact on the game is undeniable.
