England women’s coach Sarina Wiegman was disappointed by experienced goalkeeper Mary Earps’s retirement five weeks before the European Championship.
Tuesday’s startling news came from the 32-year-old Paris Saint-Germain goalie, who helped England win the 2022 Euro and as runners-up at the 2023 World Cup. In interviews with international media, Sarina Wiegman called Earps an asset for England and wanted her on the team.
I’m disappointed she’s not on the team because I want her. “She must have struggled with this decision, as do we,” remarked Wiegman.
“She has excelled for England. She has changed everything and we have had an amazing adventure, which I cherish.
“We have had some private chats that I won’t share here. It’s challenging for her and her.”
Wiegman recently said Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton was ahead of Earps for England’s starting goalkeeper position. Leah Williamson stressed that they need Earps because she is an experienced leader and can help them win any event.
“We are a team and we want to win, and Mary in that team gives us a better chance of winning — I know that,” England captain Leah Williamson said.
“She leads. She has expertise.”
