- Earps has been battling Hannah Hampton to be England’s No 1 this summer
- Sarina Wiegman says she is ‘disappointed’ by Earps decision ahead of the Euros
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Mary Earps has announced her shock retirement from international football with just over five weeks to go until this summer’s European Championships.
The 32-year-old England goalkeeper announced her decision today with immediate effect, after an eight-year career where she made 53 appearances.
Earps, who has been Sarina Wiegman’s first-choice goalkeeper since the Dutch coach took charge of the national team in September 2021, has been in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No 1 jersey at this summer’s Euros.
The 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner has recently fallen below Hampton in the pecking order and was dropped for England’s most recent games against Belgium last month.
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.’
England goalkeeper Mary Earps has retired from international football with immediate effect
Earps was part of England’s triumphant Euro 2022 winning side, but will not defend the title
The stop stopper saved a penalty in the 2023 World Cup final, but England lost to Spain
Earps has fallen below Hannah Hampton in the battle to be England’s No 1, but Sarina Wiegman has expressed disappointment at her decision to end her international career
Earps received her first cap in 2017 and was an ever-present in the Lionesses’ historic home Euro 2022 victory and 2023 Women’s World Cup.
She 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.
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.’
