In a dramatic turn just five weeks before England kicks off its European Championship title defense, Mary Earps, the decorated goalkeeper and face of the Lionessesâ golden era, has announced her sudden retirement from international football at the age of 32.
The decision, delivered to teammates during a closed-door meeting at St. Georgeâs Park on Monday, has sent ripples through the football world, leaving fans and teammates stunned. Earps, a central figure in Englandâs triumphant Euro 2022 campaign and the 2023 Finalissima victory, said she was stepping aside to allow a new generation to flourish.
âItâs the right time,â Earps wrote on social media. âAll good things must come to an end.â
Her retirement comes amid growing speculation over her position in the squad after Chelseaâs Hannah Hampton was named starter in recent fixtures. Though selected for this weekâs Nations League clashes with Portugal and Spain, Earps chose to exit the camp, forgoing what would have been a fourth major tournament appearance.
BREAKING: Mary Earps has announced her immediate retirement from international football đ¨ pic.twitter.com/506KTx11Zs
â Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 27, 2025
âI had hoped that Mary would play an important role this summer,â said England manager Sarina Wiegman, who admitted the decision came as a surprise. âOf course I am disappointed.â
Fellow Lionesses expressed shock and sorrow. âSheâs an incredible person and goalkeeper,â said defender Jess Carter. âItâs a huge loss.â
A Towering Career, A Thoughtful Goodbye
Earpsâ tenure between the posts has been marked by resilience, passion, and advocacy. Voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 and twice named FIFAâs Best Goalkeeper, she was lauded for her performances at last yearâs World Cup, where England reached the final.
But Earpsâ influence went far beyond the goal line. In 2023, she publicly challenged Nikeâs failure to make replica goalkeeper kits available during the World Cupâa stand that sparked widespread conversation about gender equity in sport. âI gave my heart and soul,â she said in her retirement message. âI left it all out there.â
The Nottingham-born keeper now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, having left Manchester United last summer. Though PSG ended the current season without silverware, Earpsâ legacy remains gilded: a Bundesliga title and cup with Wolfsburg, the FA Cup with United, and a lasting impact on womenâs football in England.
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Between the Posts: How Mary Earps Redefined Goalkeeping
Earpsâ contributions to football have been recognised far beyond the pitch. She was mary named the FIFA Best Womenâs Goalkeeper in 2022, following her standout performances at the UEFA Womenâs Euros and in the Womenâs Super League. She also earned a place in the FIFA FIFPro Womenâs World XI, and was honoured as England Womenâs Player of the Year in 2023. Her commanding presence and vocal leadership set a new standard for goalkeeping and inspired a generation of players.
A New Era Dawns
As England pivots toward Euro 2025, Wiegman must now prepare without mary one of her most seasoned players. Hampton is poised to step into the spotlight, but Earpsâ absence will be feltânot only for her shot-stopping heroics but for her leadership and conviction.
For a team that has inspired a nation, Earps was both anchor and advocate. Now, from the sidelines, sheâll watch the next chapter unfold.
âThis is a new era,â she wrote. âAnd Iâm looking mary forward to watching them this summer.â
