Mary Earps Announces Shock Retirement from International Football Ahead of Euro 2025

Mary Earps with the Finalissima trophy. Photo: PA

In an unexpected development, England’s esteemed goalkeeper Mary Earps has declared her immediate retirement from international football, a mere 36 days before the Lionesses commence their European Championship title defence in Switzerland.

The 32-year-old, who amassed 53 caps over an eight-year tenure, leaves an indelible legacy as one of England’s most influential and cherished footballers.

Describing her decision as “difficult” and the result of careful deliberation, Earps’ departure marks the close of a significant chapter for the Lionesses, prompting widespread tributes to her exceptional contributions both on and off the field.

Mary Earps’ journey with the England national team is a testament to resilience, triumph, and transformation. Earps made her debut for the Lionesses in 2017.

However, her ascent to becoming England’s pre-eminent goalkeeper was fraught with challenges. In 2019, under then-manager Phil Neville, she was excluded from the squad, facing a pivotal moment in her career.

Contemplating retirement after being overlooked in favour of goalkeepers such as Carly Telford and Karen Bardsley, Earps recalled a moment of despair, collapsing in tears on her kitchen floor, convinced her international career had ended.

The appointment of Sarina Wiegman as England’s manager in September 2021 proved transformative. Recalled to the squad, Earps seized her opportunity, starting in seven of Wiegman’s first eight matches.

Her performances solidified her position as England’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, culminating in her pivotal role in the Lionesses’ historic UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 triumph.

Earps played every minute of the tournament, securing four clean sheets and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament. Her crucial saves in the final against Germany were instrumental in securing England’s first major trophy since 1966.

Earps’ excellence continued at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she served as vice-captain and played every minute of England’s campaign to the final.

Despite a 1-0 defeat to Spain, her penalty save against Jennifer Hermoso in the 68th minute proved a defining moment, earning her the tournament’s Golden Glove award. She further distinguished herself by saving a penalty in a shootout against Brazil to win the inaugural Women’s Finalissima in 2023.

Her contributions were recognised with the England Women’s Player of the Year award for 2022–23 and the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023.

Earps’ retirement, announced on 27th May 2025, stunned fans and the footballing community, particularly given its proximity to Euro 2025.

In a heartfelt statement, she expressed profound gratitude for her time with the Lionesses, describing it as “the greatest honour and privilege of my life to wear this badge, represent my country, and play alongside such an extraordinary group of players.”

She cited her desire to “step aside and allow the younger generation to thrive” as a primary motivation, emphasising that the decision was made with considerable reflection.

The announcement follows a period of intense competition for the starting goalkeeper position, with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton emerging as a formidable contender.

Hampton started England’s last three matches, including a 1-0 victory over Spain in February 2025, prompting Wiegman to note in April that Hampton was “marginally ahead” in the race for the number one jersey.

Earps’ final appearance for England was against Portugal in February 2025, and her recent exclusion from the starting lineup may have influenced her decision.

Despite Wiegman’s hope that Earps would play a significant role at Euro 2025, the goalkeeper shared her decision with her teammates in a meeting that was described as “awkward” on 26th May 2025.

England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed disappointment but respected Earps’ choice, stating, “Mary has been clear about her reasons for this decision, and we must respect it.”

Wiegman praised Earps’ “immense contribution not only to the team but to English football as a whole,” promising a comprehensive tribute to her career following the summer.

With Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, Manchester City’s Khiara Keating, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse now contending for the goalkeeper position, England’s focus turns to the forthcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain and the Euro 2025 campaign.

Earps’ influence transcends her on-field achievements, as she has inspired a new generation of fans and players through her advocacy and charisma.

Her outspoken critique of Nike’s initial decision not to produce replica goalkeeper shirts for the 2023 Women’s World Cup resonated widely. Labelling the decision “hugely disappointing” and “hurtful,” she galvanised public support, leading to a petition with over 170,000 signatures.

Nike’s subsequent reversal, with Earps’ shirts selling out in minutes, underscored her commercial appeal and deep connection with fans, reinforcing her role as a champion for equality in women’s football.

In June 2023, Earps launched her clothing brand, MAE27, featuring T-shirts adorned with empowering messages such as “Be unapologetically yourself.” Her business acumen, honed through a degree in information management and business studies from Loughborough University, has shown her as a role model for aspiring athletes.

Her contributions to football were further recognised when she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours.

Earps’ cultural impact was cemented by her 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, making her the second female footballer to receive the honour after Beth Mead in 2022. She dedicated the award to her teammates and the next generation, highlighting her role in elevating women’s football.

Her media presence extends to appearances on programmes such as A League of Their Own and contributions to documentaries about women’s football.

In 2024, she was named among Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in European sports, acknowledging her leadership in the field. These platforms have enabled Earps to advocate for greater investment in women’s sports and share her inspiring journey with a global audience.

As Mary Earps steps away from international football to focus on her club career with Paris Saint-Germain, her legacy as a European champion, World Cup hero, and advocate for women’s football endures.

The Football Association plans to honour her contributions at a future Lionesses fixture, ensuring that her impact, both as a goalkeeper and a trailblazer, remains celebrated for years to come.