England manager Sarina Wiegman responds to Mary Earps' retirement ahead of Portugal clash - 'I am really disappointed'
Updated 29/05/2025 at 20:10 GMT+1
Mary Earps called time on her illustrious international career on Tuesday. The decision means the former England No. 1 will now miss the UEFA Women's EURO 2025. Sarina Wiegman responded to the decision ahead of her side's UEFA Nations League clash with Portugal on Friday, admitting she was disappointed to see Earps call it a day after such a successful Euro campaign three years ago.
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England manager Sarina Wiegman admits she was disappointed by Mary Earps' decision to retire from international football less than six weeks before the start of the UEFA Women's Euro 2025.
However, the Dutch coach stopped short of describing the former England No. 1's decision as annoying.
Earps was a crucial part of the England side who came out on top in the tournament three years ago, making several excellent saves in the final.
However, she has since lost her place in the starting 11 to Hannah Hampton and looked set to play a supporting role in Switzerland this summer.
Wiegman admitted that Earps' decision was tough to take.
"Of course, it's hard, but I want to keep to disappointment," said the England manager when asked if her disappointment has bubbled into annoyance.
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"It's emotional because you also have relationships and we have had such a massive journey together with lots of highs and some lows too and that's what makes it really hard.
"We have to move on too. We have a game tomorrow. We are going into the Euros and after that we can think about those things."
England will get their Euros campaign underway on July 5 against France.
Wiegman spoke ahead of The Lionesses' UEFA Nations League clash with Portugal on Friday.
England also have a Nations League match with Spain and a friendly against Jamaica to contend with this summer.
Wiegman insisted she wanted Earps to be part of her squad ahead of a busy few months.
"I want her in my team," said Wiegman. "She has done such a great job for England.
"She has made a massive difference and we have had an incredible journey so far and I really cherish that.
"That is also where the disappointment comes from."
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Wiegman believes Earps' decision has been difficult for all involved.
"I am really disappointed and sad that she is not part of the team because I want her in my team," added the England manager.
"That must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us.
"There have been a couple of conversations which I don't want to share here because they are between us.
"It's hard and it's hard for her at the same time."
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