Former Manchester United women’s goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football just weeks before England begins their European Championship title defence.
The 32-year-old played a crucial role in helping the Lionesses win EURO 2022, where they beat Germany 2-1 in the final after extra time.
Earps decided to call time on her international career after being told that she had lost her starting spot to Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton.
The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper was selected for England’s upcoming Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain but informed head coach Sarina Wiegman of her decision at St George’s Park.
She didn’t take part in training and has since left the England camp.
“I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally,” Earps said. “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.”
Her announcement left many in the England camp scratching their heads, including Wiegman.
The Lionesses head coach admitted that she was “disappointed” by the timing of Earps’ decision, having told the experienced keeper that she would play “an important role” at this summer’s tournament in Switzerland.
However, she also acknowledged that Earps has been “clear on her reasons why she has made the decision”, and it’s one that the team must accept.
Earps earned 53 caps over eight years, playing in major tournaments and helping England reach the final of the 2023 World Cup, where she won the Golden Glove.
She was also named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 and won back-to-back Best FIFA Goalkeeper awards in 2022 and 2023.
Earps played 102 games for United and won the FA Women’s Cup in 2023/24 before leaving to join PSG, but didn’t add any silverware to her collection this season as the French giants went trophyless.