England goalkeeper Mary Earps has retired from international football with immediate effect and will miss this summer's European Championship
Published 27/05/2025 at 11:01 GMT+1
Mary Earps has been a key figure in the England squad for eight years and was an ever-present part of their Women's European Championship triumph in 2022, but she will now step away from international football and not be a part of their title defence in Switzerland this summer. Manager Sarina Wiegman says she is 'disappointed' with Earps' decision - just five weeks before the tournament starts.
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England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect, meaning she will not play at this summer’s UEFA European Championship.
Manager Sarina Wiegman, who says she is "disappointed with Earps’ decision, has favoured Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton in recent England fixtures.
It brings to an end an eight-year international career for Earps, who plays her club football for Paris Saint-Germain after leaving Manchester United last summer.
She won 53 caps for her country and was an ever-present part of the Lionesses' historic Euro 2022 success.
Speaking about her decision to stop playing for England, Earps said: "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.
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Mary Earps, Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson
Image credit: Getty Images
"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."
With just five weeks to go until their title defence begins in Switzerland, Wiegman admits it was not something she was expecting.
"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."
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Earps had been part of Wiegman’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain.
Her decision to leave the side means Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse join Hampton as the selected goalkeepers for the matches.
The FA say a full tribute to Earps’ international career will be made at a Lionesses’ fixture after the summer.
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