England's Goalkeeper Earps Steps Down from National Team Before Euro 2025 Tournament
English goalkeeper Mary Earps, age 32, has declared retirement from international football, just weeks before UEFA Euro 2025 commences in Switzerland. The former Manchester United and current Paris Saint-Germain player has made 53 appearances for the senior England squad.
Earps was instrumental in England's Euro 2022 victory and their World Cup final run in 2023, earning the Golden Glove award along the way. However, recently, she has faced stiff competition from young Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton for the number one England shirt.
On Instagram, Earps explained her difficult decision, stating that the timing was right for her to step aside. Although she did not provide detailed reasons, she expressed that the decision was essential, despite the confusion it might cause.
The absence of Earps will be felt keenly by the English squad, as they prepare to defend their Euro title. England will open their Euro 2025 campaign against France on July 5.
Reports suggest that England manager Sarina Wiegman and the squad expressed disappointment and shock at Earps' announcement. The exact circumstances surrounding her retirement remain unclear.
Mary Earps has a distinguished career, winning several individual accolades, including the FIFA Best awards and the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. Her retirement marks the end of an era for English football.
© 2025 AFP
(Enrichment Data: Mary Earps is a significant English professional footballer who has played as a goalkeeper for various clubs, including Manchester United, VfL Wolfsburg in Germany, and currently Paris Saint-Germain. She earned 53 international caps for England, played a key role in Euro 2022 victory, and was vice captain in the 2023 World Cup final. Her retirement was announced just weeks before Euro 2025, leaving a significant gap in the English squad. The reasons for her retirement are not yet fully disclosed, but reports suggest ongoing uncertainty about her starting role played a part in her decision.)
The sudden retirement of Mary Earps, a renowned English footballer, has left a notable void in the English squad, particularly in international football. As a key player during England's victorious Euro 2022 campaign and their World Cup final run in 2023, her absence will be particularly felt as England defend their title in Euro 2025, within European-leagues, where their first match is against France on July 5.
