Mary Earps announces surprise retirement ahead of Women’s Euros

Earps concluded an eight-year career that featured 53 caps for England and a multitude of personal honors, including two FIFA Best Awards, a World Cup golden glove, and the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023.

The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper played a pivotal role in England's triumph at the 2022 European Championship and their second-place finish against Spain at the 2023 Women's World Cup, which included a shootout win over Nigeria to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

She had been selected for Sarina Wiegman's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Portugal on Friday and Spain.

"I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly," Earps said in a statement. "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."

Earps has recently been replaced as the starting goalkeeper by Chelsea's Hannah Hampton, who made her first appearance for the England team in over two years during a 2-0 win against Ireland in April 2024.

"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," Earps said.

Wiegman expressed disappointment regarding Earps' decision, stating that she had anticipated the 32-year-old would contribute significantly to her team this summer.

"Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept," Wiegman said. "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 EURO."

Goalkeepers Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse have been included in Wiegman's 26-player roster for the upcoming match against Portugal at Wembley Stadium, as well as for the game against Spain in Barcelona. Winning both matches would guarantee England a place in the knockout stage of the Nations League.