The stunning announcement of Mary Earps Retirement surprised the football world. Lionesses’ undisputed starting goalkeeper, the 32-year-old Mary Earps retired from the England Women’s National Team. The news, confirmed on Tuesday, comes a mere five weeks before the commencement of the highly anticipated European Championship, leaving the England Women’s National Team in an unexpected and potentially vulnerable position. This sudden decision has ignited a flurry of discussions, primarily centered around the perplexing timing. Mary Earps retirement to the national side remains unequivocally celebrated, though she has made an immense contribution to the Lionesses.
Immediate Fallout and Team Reaction Following Mary Earps News
The timing of Mary Earps Retirement has particularly raised eyebrows, given its proximity to the major tournament. Reports indicate that Earps’ teammates were only informed of her decision on Monday, upon reporting for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain. She reportedly did not participate in training and has since returned home. The announcement has clearly blindsided many within the England camp.
“I don’t think any of us saw that coming. I’m in shock, really,” expressed Euro 2022 winner Ellen White in a statement to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly. “It’s so close to the Euros. I don’t really know what to say because it is just crazy. It’s surprising with the timing and how close it is to the Euros.”
The sentiment of surprise and slight unease is echoed throughout the footballing community. Whether Mary Earps would have been the outright starter in Switzerland is a point of contention, particularly with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton having seemingly cemented her place as the current number one. Nevertheless, the experience, leadership, and sheer presence of a two-time FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper would undoubtedly have been a significant asset to the squad.
Huge news this morning, Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football for England with immediate effect and will not be a part of the Euros squad!#Lionesses pic.twitter.com/EibHRerJnO
— Women’s Football Talk (@WFTalks) May 27, 2025
Mary Earps Retired: A Look Back at a Remarkable England Career
Has Mary Earps Retired from England prematurely? For many fans, the answer resonates with a tinge of disappointment, considering the indelible mark she has left on the England Women’s National Team. Earps’ journey with the Lionesses has been far from a straightforward trajectory. After being dropped by former manager Phil Neville in March 2020, a move she initially believed to be temporary, she found herself consistently overlooked. It was only with the arrival of Sarina Wiegman as head coach that her international career experienced a dramatic resurgence.
Having been the third-choice goalkeeper at the 2019 World Cup in France, Earps seized an opportunity presented by injuries to Karen Bardsley and Ellie Roebuck. She remarkably transformed into the undisputed number one for the Lionesses during their triumphant Euro 2022 campaign on home soil. Her infectious personality, exemplified by her iconic celebrations, endeared her to fans nationwide.
Beyond her on-field heroics, Mary Earps became a powerful voice for goalkeeping within the women’s game. She openly discussed the historical lack of specialized coaching for female goalkeepers and passionately advocated for greater recognition and resources for the position. Her principled stance against sportswear giant Nike regarding the unavailability of replica women’s goalkeeper kits ahead of the 2023 World Cup resonated deeply, ultimately leading to a change in policy.
At the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, despite England falling short in the final against Spain, Earps delivered an outstanding performance, earning the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Her memorable penalty saves in the final, accompanied by an impassioned reaction, went viral, solidifying her status as a true icon. Further accolades followed, including being named FIFA’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023 and receiving the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023. Her influence extended beyond the pitch, with a significant social media presence and even a waxwork figure at Madame Tussauds.
The Timing of Mary Earps Retirement: Questions and Considerations
While Mary Earps’s contributions to the England Women’s National Team are undeniable and widely celebrated, the timing of Mary Earps retirement has inevitably sparked considerable debate. With the European Championship just around the corner, the sudden departure of such an experienced and influential player creates an immediate void within the squad.
The emergence of Hannah Hampton as the preferred number one in recent matches is a key factor in understanding this situation. Hampton, the talented 24-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper, has impressed with her performances and is widely regarded for her prowess with the ball at her feet – a quality that aligns with England’s desired playing style. Hampton has kept six clean sheets in 13 England appearances and played a crucial role in Chelsea’s recent domestic treble triumph.
Despite Hampton’s undeniable talent, some question whether she possesses the same level of big-game experience and commanding presence as Mary Earps. The psychological impact of losing such a leader, regardless of her starting status, could also be significant for the Lionesses.
England manager Sarina Wiegman admitted her disappointment at Mary Earps Retirement, stating she had hoped the veteran goalkeeper would play an “important role” this summer. While the precise reasons behind Earps’s decision remain undisclosed, it is understood that she had been contemplating this move and discussing it with Wiegman for some time.
Has Mary Earps Retired from England? Navigating a New Era in Goalkeeping
The immediate challenge for Wiegman and the England Women’s National Team is to adapt to this unexpected change in personnel. With Hampton expected to take the starting role, the focus shifts to the other goalkeeping options within the squad.
Manchester City’s Khiara Keating is likely to be the next in line. The young goalkeeper enjoyed a stellar season last year, earning the WSL Golden Glove, but has experienced periods of inconsistency this term. Anna Moorhouse of Orlando Pride is the other uncapped goalkeeper currently in the squad, offering a more experienced but less tested option at the international level.
There is also the potential for a wildcard selection in the form of Ellie Roebuck. Despite facing her own challenges in recent years, Roebuck possesses 11 England caps and could provide valuable experience to the goalkeeping group.
