Mary Earps announces surprise retirement from international football ahead of Euros title defence

Veteran stopper says she thought long and hard before making the decision

Earps played a key role in the Euros 2022 title-winning side (Getty Images)

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from international football, a surprise move coming just five weeks before this summer’s European Championships.

She won 53 caps for the side and played a major role in the Lionesses’ Euros triumph in 2022, starting every game, but will not play a role in their title defence this summer.

Her role as England’s No 1 has come under threat recently, with Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton starting the last three games for the international side.

Earps, 32, described playing for the national team as “the greatest honour and privilege of my life” but said that it was the “right time” for her to hang up her boots.

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.”

The former Manchester United keeper saved a penalty in the World Cup final in 2023 as England lost 1-0 to Spain. She won the Golden Glove at the tournament and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, as well as being named Best Fifa Women’s goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023.

Earps says it’s time for the next generation to thrive (The FA via Getty Images)

She had been set to feature in Sarina Wiegman’s squad in Switzerland this summer but her decision to step away means Hampton will be England’s No 1 at the tournament. Wiegman said in April that the Chelsea keeper was “a little bit ahead” in the battle for the starting spot at the Euros.

“I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,” Wiegman said of the decision.

“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 Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.”

Hampton, Manchester City keeper Khiara Keating and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse will be in the England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, against Portugal on Friday and Spain on Tuesday.