Mary Earps, England’s phenomenal and fearless keeper, has called an audacious shot. She has chosen to hang up her international boots barely five weeks ahead of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament in neighbouring Switzerland. This announcement closes the curtains on an illustrious eleven-year career with the national team. On the pitch, in that time, she won 53 caps and established herself as a major figure in women’s football.
Earps made her debut for England in April 2014. She came on as a substitute for her debut in a friendly against Switzerland in June 2017. Since then, she has made her mark as a can’t miss star. In September 2021, head coach Sarina Wiegman put her faith in her by handing her the No.1 shirt for her first official start for England.
During her short tenure, Earps quickly played a crucial role in England’s victorious Euro 2022 run. She was an ever-present, and proved to be the difference maker that helped her team lift the trophy. She showcased her skill on the world stage by saving a penalty in the World Cup final, further solidifying her reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in women’s football.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Mary Earps hasn’t just been an unsung hero for the England team. She was key to the group that reached Euro 2017’s semi-final, and the successful 2019 World Cup squad. Though she did not appear on the court in those tournaments, her commitment to the Red Storm did not go overlooked. Over her time with the national side, she kept six clean sheets in her 13 caps and started in three of England’s four Nations League games.
In recent months, Earps had been splitting starting responsibilities with fellow goalie Hannah Hampton since early 2024. The squad’s fierce competition for places led to an intense exchange of views between Earps and Wiegman. Above, they talk about what Earps’ role should be going forward. In many ways, this discussion was the impetus behind her decision to resign from international duty.
Earps joined her England teammates at St George’s Park earlier this week, but was only there to say goodbye. Her absence creates a large hole in a team that’s turned to her veteran experience and skill set often.
Teammates Reflect on Earps’ Impact
Jess Carter, a teammate of Earps’ on the England national team, said she was disappointed that Earps was walking away from the group.
“I’m sad she’s not going to be here, I always look forward to seeing her.” – Jess Carter
Carter remembered their first months at Birmingham together, pointing to Earps’ resolve and work ethic in overcoming obstacles.
“I played with her about 10 years ago at Birmingham and I felt like she was a goalkeeper who never really got much support, but she continued to work so hard to get to where she has.” – Jess Carter
Carter stressed that Earps’ dedication to the national team was evident each time she put on an England shirt.
“England meant so much to her, you could see it every time she put the top on.” – Jess Carter
Carter reiterated that the squad as a whole will need to shift with Earps missing. They’re dedicated to deepening relationships between the goalkeepers as they all enter their new positions.
“But we no longer have that so it’s about building those connections with the other goalkeepers that we’ve got and making sure they’re as strong as possible.” – Jess Carter
A New Chapter for England
With Mary Earps likely out of the picture as England heads for Euro 2025, the Lionesses can only focus on what lays before them next. As the coaching staff and players process her loss, they’ll have to change their strategies and dynamics with a key voice and force gone. Though it has been a challenging shift, they have stuck with creating the best team culture possible.
Carter even admitted to being surprised by the effect of Earp’s retirement. He underscored the need to honor their experiences and leverage them to forge a better tomorrow for the franchise.
“I think being out of it makes you appreciate it even more.” – Jess Carter
The long awaited next chapter for England’s women’s national team begins now! They are fully committed to not only sustaining their growth, but improving success in international competitions. The true spotlight now needs to be on creating and fostering much more new talent, while doing justice to the legacy that Mary Earps will leave us.
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