Women's EURO champion Mary Earps announces retirement from international football

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has announced her retirement from the Lionesses.

The 32-year-old, who plays her club football in France for Paris Saint-Germain, was named goalkeeper of the tournament at both the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 tournament, which England won on home soil, as well as the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the Lionesses were losing finalists.

Her successes at those tournaments made her a household name in Britain, with sales of goalkeeper jerseys bearing her name surging.

Earps, the 198th player to represent the England women's senior national team, described her immediate international retirement as a "difficult decision" ahead of this summer's UEFA Women's EURO 2025.

She wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday (27 May): "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.

"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 truth, life without international football scares me a little, that said I'm so excited to turn my full focus to my club football.

"I have no regrets. One of my biggest motivations has been to leave the jersey in a better place than where I found it; I hope you all feel I have done that."

Her announcement drew supportive and reflective reactions from her former international teammates, with the likes of Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, and Beth Mead among those sending their well-wishes on social media.

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