Mary Earps' announcement to retire from international football has left a significant impact on women's football, especially just five weeks prior to Euro 2025. Earps, who had held the title of top goalkeeper and won multiple awards, decided to step back amid competition from Chelsea's Hannah Hampton, who had gained favor with coach Sarina Wiegman. Wiegman expressed her disappointment over Earps' departure, citing her hoped role in the tournament. This retirement also reflects ongoing changes within the England team as new players emerge and strategies evolve.
Few international retirements have shocked women's football in the way Mary Earps' decision did. Two years after winning back-to-back Fifa Best goalkeeper awards, she withdrew five weeks before Euro 2025.
Earps' position at the top of the goalkeeping pecking order came under threat with the emergence of Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. Wiegman stated Hampton was 'a bit ahead of Earps'.
England manager Sarina Wiegman admitted disappointment at Earps' decision, having hoped for her to play an 'important role' this summer in the Euro 2025.
Earps acknowledged her retirement as marking a 'new era for England', reflecting on her previous setbacks and the emergence of new talents.
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