Why has Mary Earps retired from the England national team?

MARY EARPS shocked the footballing world after announcing her retirement from the England national team.

Lionesses legend Earps, 32, was the goalkeeper for England’s Euro triumph in 2022 and the World Cup final in 2023, in which she pulled off a stunning penalty save.

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Mary Earps was England’s Euro-winning goalkeeper in 2022[/caption]

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And Earps saved a penalty in the World Cup final a year after[/caption]

The former Manchester United ace was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper, and also BBC Sport Personality of the Year in 2023.

But just five weeks before the start of the 2025 Euros, 53-cap star Marps announced her retirement with immediate effect.

Why has Mary Earps retired from international football?

Mary Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in boss Sarina Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland.

Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium.

And according to The Telegraph, Earps quit in a meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton.

Earps said in her announcement: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.

“I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.

“For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.

“Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”

While in a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.

“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 moment 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. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.

“And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”

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Sarina Wiegman was questioned about Earps’ retirement[/caption]

The announcement sparked a furious response from Lionesses coach Wiegman.

The Dutch coach said: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed.

“Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.

“Mary 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 Mary 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 the Euros.”