Mary Earps, talented goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, announced her retirement from England duty. This unexpected ruling arrives only weeks before Euro 2025. This sudden decision follows a turbulent tenure under England boss Sarina Wiegman. It has certainly been fraught with disagreements and for losing her starting position to fellow Lioness Hannah Hampton.
Earps was vital to the Lionesses’ first UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 title win. In 2023, she was again the star of the show as she was the driving force behind the team’s trip to a Women’s World Cup final. That fateful match, she stopped a key penalty kick, but the team still lost in a heartbreaking 1-0 match. Her contributions to English football have been enormous, but her relationship with Wiegman has been characterized by frustration.
After a series of conversations with Wiegman around her role within the team, Earps made a difficult decision. Firstly, she announced her retirement from international play. The coach let her know that she was no longer the go to number one keeper. That mantle has passed to Hannah Hampton. Earps echoed that frustration. She felt that Wiegman was encouraging “bad behaviour” by reinstating Hampton to the squad for 2023.
In an Instagram post on Friday, Earps reflected on what she’s learned from discussions with Wiegman, emphasizing the contrasts between them.
“But when we last spoke, I saw her at the Ballon d’Or, and at St George’s Park, we both acknowledged that you know we had a difference of opinion and a difference of perspective on certain things.” – Mary Earps
Despite these obstacles, Earps would like to believe that reconciliation is possible. She says time has done wonders to produce a positive conversation between her and the coach.
“I think that hopefully we will have a conversation in the future, and after everything settles down, we can just draw a line under everything.” – Mary Earps
Earps’s legacy in football is undeniable. She was fundamental to the 2024 Women’s FA Cup winning side of Manchester Untied. Manchester City’s rejoiced in their success as they lifted the trophy following Vassell’s winner against Spurs in the final. As she prepares to face her former club in the upcoming Women’s Champions League match on Wednesday, she hopes for a warm reception from fans who recognize her contributions to the sport.
Earps’s retirement announcement has raised questions on player dynamics and national team management styles. Her journey is a tale not just of her individual fight, but an era defined by the fight for competition and transparency in sports.
Earps taking a break from international duty. Yet through all of this, she has stayed dialed in on her club performance and her continued dedication to PSG. The goalkeeper’s career is still on an upward trajectory as she aims to leave a lasting impact on women’s football at both club and international levels.
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