Mary Earps retires from international football

Mary Earps has today announced her decision to retire from international football with immediate effect. The decision marks the end of a memorable eight-year international career and comes as the Lionesses prepare for the culmination of their UEFA Women’s Nations League group stage campaign.

With 53 senior caps for her country and countless individual accolades including two FIFA Best Awards and a World Cup golden glove, the decision will confirm her absence for the forthcoming UEFA European Championship in Switzerland this summer.

Earps received her first cap in 2017 and was an ever-present in the Lionesses’ historic home UEFA EURO 2022 success and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign in Australia.

Explaining the decision Earps 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.”

Sarina Wiegman said: “I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. 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 UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures and the EUROs."

Hannah Hampton, Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse will be part of a 26-player squad who will take on Portugal and Spain in a bid to reach the UEFA Women’s Nations League knockout stages.

A full tribute to Earps’ international career and her significant contribution to English football will be made at a Lionesses’ fixture after the summer.