Mary Earps set for England farewell as international retirement confirmed
England goalkeeper Mary Earps will make her final international appearance in Tuesday night's Women's World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley, according to national team manager Sarina Wiegman. The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper, known affectionately as 'Mary Queen of Stops', announced her retirement from England duty five weeks before Euro 2025. Wiegman expressed hope that the occasion would provide a fitting send-off for the experienced goalkeeper.
The manager's comments, reported by multiple outlets, come despite a recent period of tension between Earps and the England setup. Wiegman stated she hopes the team and fans can celebrate Earps and that the match will be a beautiful moment for the player. The decision for Earps to step away followed Wiegman's choice to name Chelsea's Hannah Hampton as her first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming European Championship, a move that reportedly left Earps disappointed.
In her recently published autobiography, 'All In', Earps was critical of not being considered the number one for the competition. These public criticisms drew significant backlash from sections of English football media and supporters. The goalkeeper later expressed regret over her comments, according to sources close to the situation. This sequence of events adds a layer of complexity to what is intended to be a celebratory farewell for one of England's most decorated modern players.
Earps, 31, has been a mainstay for the Lionesses since her debut, playing a pivotal role in their Euro 2022 victory and their run to the 2023 Women's World Cup final. Her club career has seen her play for clubs including Manchester United, where she spent several seasons before her move to PSG last year. At the Parisian club, she has continued to perform at the highest level in Ligue 1 and the Women's Champions League.
The timing of her international retirement allows England to fully transition to Hampton as the long-term goalkeeper ahead of Euro 2025, while Earps can focus entirely on her club commitments with PSG. Her departure marks the end of a significant era for England, as they lose not only a key player but also a prominent leader and personality within the squad. The match against Spain represents England's final preparation before their tournament campaign begins, making Earps's farewell a poignant moment in the team's build-up.
