Just weeks before the European Championship, England goalkeeper Mary Earps has declared her stunning retirement from international football.
England’s victory at the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championship and their runner-up finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which included a spectacular penalty shootout victory over Nigeria in the Round of 16, depend critically on the Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper. Emotionally speaking, Earps said she thinks now is the appropriate moment to distance herself and let the following generation of athletes take front stage.
“This is the right moment for me to back off and give the younger generation chances to flourish,” Earps remarked. “Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life; I’m hoping the girls will repeat this summer.”
Turning to social media, Earps thought back on her trip abroad and expressed thanks for the chance to represent England. Wearing this emblem and representing my country has been the most honour and privilege of my life. Though all great things must end, I wish I could do it always.
Reacting to the news, England head coach Sarina Wiegman praised Earps’s great contribution to the squad and the expansion of English women’s football.
“Mary has been clear on her reasons for this decision; it’s something we have to accept,” Wiegman said. “She has significantly helped English football as a whole as well as the team.”
“We will treasure those memories and, naturally, honor Mary the way she deserves following summer. But for now, our emphasis has to change to the EURO and the forthcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League events.
