Mary Earps Announces Retirement from International Soccer

LONDON -- In a surprising turn of events, Mary Earps, the acclaimed goalkeeper of the England women's national team, has announced her retirement from international soccer. This decision comes just five weeks ahead of the highly anticipated Women's European Championship.

Earps, who played a pivotal role in England's triumphant Euro 2022 victory and the team's impressive run to the Women's World Cup final in 2023, has been a key figure in women's football. As she prepares to step back, she cited the increasing competition for her position, particularly from Chelsea's Hannah Hampton, as a contributing factor to her decision.

In her official statement, Earps expressed her deep gratitude for the honor of representing her country. She stated that it has been a profound privilege to wear the England jersey and to play alongside an extraordinary group of players. After much contemplation, she believes that now is the right moment to allow younger talents the chance to flourish within the team.

Reflecting on her career, Earps highlighted that winning the Euros was the pinnacle of her journey, and she extends her best wishes to the current squad for their upcoming campaign.

Since making her debut in 2017, the 32-year-old goalkeeper has earned a remarkable 53 caps for England. Her individual accolades include two FIFA Best awards and a coveted golden glove from the World Cup, underscoring her status as one of the top goalkeepers in women's football.

England's head coach, Sarina Wiegman, expressed her disappointment at Earps' decision, acknowledging the significant impact she has had on both the team and English football as a whole. Wiegman emphasized the importance of respecting Earps' choice and noted that her contributions will always be cherished.

As the team gears up for upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures and the Euros, the focus will now shift to preparing for these critical matches, with Earps' legacy serving as a strong foundation for future generations of players.