MARY EARPS announced her shock retirement from international football with immediate effect.
And it means the goalkeeper will not line up between the sticks as England aim to retain the Euros this summer – leaving boss Sarina Wiegman seething.
Earps, 32, played a key role in the Lionesses’ runs to the Euro 2022 title and 2023 World Cup final.
The ex-Manchester United star was crowned a two-time Fifa Women’s Best Goalkeeper and even BBC Sport Personality of the Year after her penalty save in the 2023 World Cup final defeat to Spain.
PSG stopper Earps was in a battle with Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton for the No1 spot in Wiegman’s starting XI for the upcoming Euros in Switzerland.
Hampton was picked in England’s last three Nations League matches – against Spain and the double header against Belgium.
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However, just five weeks out from the tournament and the day after the team met for their training camp at St George’s Park, 53-cap ace Earps dropped the major bombshell news.
According to The Telegraph, Earps quit in an awkward meeting after being told she was now back-up to Hampton.
She 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.
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“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.”
In a cryptic Instagram post, Earps added: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.
“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision.
“There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside.
“This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer. In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.
“And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.”
But the shock announcement so close to the Euros left Wiegman furious, with the Dutchwoman ready to call on her experience and leadership in Switzerland.
The Lionesses face France, the Netherlands and Wales in Group D.
Now, though, Hampton looks set to be the unchallenged No1.
‘I AM DISAPPOINTED’
Wiegman said bluntly: “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.”
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England face Portugal at Wembley on Friday and then Spain next Tuesday in the Nations League.
A friendly with Jamaica takes place at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on June 29 before their opening group game of the Euros against France on July 5.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
