The goalkeeper Mary Earps in England has announced her retirement of International Football, a surprise movement, only five weeks before this summer’s European championships.
The 32-year-old won 53 caps for the side and played an important role in the euro triumph of the Lionesses in 2022, with every game, but will not play a role in their title defense this summer.
Her role as number 1 in England has recently been threatened, with Chelsea Shot-Stop stop-stop-stop-stop-stop-Hampton the last three games for the international side started.
EARPs described playing for the national team as “the greatest honor and the privilege of my life”, but said it was “right time” for her to hang her boots.
She said: “I made the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honor and privileges of my life to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.
“I spent a long time making this decision and it is not one that I made light. For me this is ultimately the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation the chance to thrive.
“Winning the euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I carrots for the girls to do it again this summer.”
The former keeper of Manchester United saved a penalty in the World Cup final in 2023 when England lost 1-0 to Spain. She won the Golden Glove at the tournament and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, and was also named Best FIFA goalkeeper for women in both 2022 and 2023.
She was ready to appear in the Sarina Wiegman team in Switzerland this summer, but her decision to step away means that Hampton will be the number 1 of England at the tournament. Wiegman said in April that the Chelsea -keeper was “a bit ahead” in the battle for the starting point at the euros.
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“I had hoped that Mary would play an important role in the team this summer, so of course I am disappointed,” Wiegman said about the decision.
“Mary has been clear about her reasons why she made the decision and it is something that we have to accept.
“Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but also the entire English football.
“We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tribute she earns after the summer, but for now the focus must be on the upcoming Women’s Nations League matches and the euros.”
Hampton, Manchester City keeper Khiara Keating and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse will be in the English team for the upcoming Nations League matches, against Portugal on Friday and Spain on Tuesday.
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