England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football just weeks before the Lionesses begin their European Championships defence.
The former England international and Paris Saint-Germain star made 53 appearances for the Lionesses, but lost her place as starting goalkeeper to Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton.
Earps, in a statement on Instagram, said: “It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to wear this badge and represent my country.
“Now is the right time for me to step aside. This is a new era and a new England team and I am looking forward to watching them this summer.”
Earps played for Doncaster Rovers Belles in the 2011/12 season, making 27 appearances for the club.
The current Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper was awarded the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award, as well as individual awards, including FIFA best awards, and a World Cup golden glove.
Lionesses head coach Sarina 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.
“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.”
Earps was an integral part of England Women’s EURO 2022 title winning tournament, as well as featuring in the Women’s World Cup a year later, where England came runners up to Spain.
This announcement from Earps comes just weeks before England begin their European Championships title defence, which begins on Saturday 5th July against France in Zurich.
Goalkeepers Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse make up part of a 26-player squad preparing for UEFA Women’s Nations League knockout stages against Spain and Portugal.
