Mary Earps Shocks Football World With International Retirement

London, England — Mary Earps, the England women’s national team goalkeeper, has announced her retirement from international football just six weeks before the start of UEFA Women's EURO 2025. The news has surprised fans and teammates alike, as Earps was a crucial player for the Lionesses in their Euro 2022 victory and their run to the 2023 World Cup final.

Earps, who has earned 53 caps since her debut in 2017, made the announcement on social media, expressing that it was a difficult decision but the right time to step aside and allow younger talent to shine. “Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life,” she wrote. “I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”

England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her disappointment, saying she had hoped Earps would play a significant role in the upcoming tournament. “Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team but the whole of English football,” she stated. Wiegman noted the team would need to focus on upcoming fixtures in the UEFA Women’s Nations League against Portugal and Spain.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper recently joined Paris Saint-Germain after a successful stint with Manchester United, where she won the FA Women’s Cup. Earps also received the Golden Glove award at the 2023 World Cup for her outstanding performances. Despite her decision, she hopes her legacy will inspire future generations of female footballers.

Earps closed her farewell message by thanking her teammates, coaches, and fans for their support, noting, “I have given everything, my heart and soul, and I did my best to help create systemic change off the pitch. I have no regrets.”