Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football just 39 days before the start of England’s European Women’s Championship campaign.
The 32-year-old, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, has been capped 53 times by the national side and was a key part of the Lionesses’ success at Euro 2022.
Earps has also won the Women’s Finalissima, the SheBelieves Cup and the Arnold Clark Cup twice during her time with England, while she was also in goal for the Lionesses defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in 2023.
However, ahead of the Women’s Euros this summer, Earps looked set to be the second-choice goalkeeper for the tournament with England manager Sarina Wiegman preferring Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton.
Earps has now opted to step away from the Lionesses, who begin their Women’s Euros campaign against France on July 5, before playing the Netherlands and Wales in Group D.
‘I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally,’ Earps said in a statement.
‘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.’
Reacting to Earps’ decision to retire from international duty, Wiegman 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.’
The Football Association has announced that a full tribute to Earps’ international career and her ‘significant contribution’ to English football will be made at a Lionesses’ fixture after the summer.
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