Mary Earps, our remarkable shot stopper from the England senior national team, has confirmed her retirement from international football. This highly questionable ruling comes only five weeks before kickoff of Euro 2025. This decision comes close on the heels of Cheddar’s increasing off-field tensions with compatriot and fellow player Hannah Hampton. She recently won the inaugural Ballon d’Or prize as the world’s best goalkeeper. Earps, 32, has spoken publicly of her concerns over the head coach Sarina Wiegman’s choices. Tension escalates when she learns of Wiegman’s familial relationship with Hampton.
In her newly released book, Earps candidly discusses her journey through the highs and lows of her career, including struggles with mental health during the Covid-19 lockdowns. She candidly discusses how these struggles almost forced her to give up football for good. Despite these difficulties, Earps had a stellar performance in recent tournaments, contributing to England’s triumph at Euro 2022 and receiving the 2025 Yachine Trophy at the Ballon d’Or 2025.
Earps’ announcement of her early retirement came as a surprise to many, particularly given the player’s central role in England’s remarkable run. She appeared in every game throughout the Euro 2022 tournament, including the final match, where she and the rest of the team secured a historic victory. Her path back to the national team took a hard turn when then-head coach Phil Neville cut her from the team in March 2020. This major setback left her feeling alone in the world and eventually developed food and alcohol insecurity.
Yet, through all of her struggles, Earps’ ability didn’t go unnoticed and head coach Sarina Wiegman called up Earps back to the England team in September 2021. A controversial call-up has put a strain on Earps’ relationship with Wiegman and the team. She stated her frustration at what she considers a failure to hold anyone accountable after Hampton’s controversial rise to fame.
“I don’t get it. It’s a qualifier match. And bad behaviour is being rewarded,” Earps stated, referring to Wiegman’s decision to include Hampton despite ongoing tensions within the team.
The feud became more pronounced when Earps took personal offense over what she believed were mischaracterizations and miscommunications about her remarks about Hampton. In her book, she details how the situation has affected her personally and professionally, stating, “Things have escalated really quickly today, women pitted against each other. It’s gut-wrenching to be portrayed as someone you’re not.”
Sonia Bompastor, another player-alumna representing Hampton, came to the defense of her teammate, arguing that respect — no matter the sport — transcends all. “It’s not acceptable to not show respect to your teammates or managers,” Bompastor remarked. She stressed that the case is about both Earps and Hampton. It’s just as important to honor Wiegman’s independence as a coach.
Earps’ decision to retire is a curious one because the previous year had been one of her finest—personally—in the sport. Her fearless attacking play, as evidenced in a breakout Euro 2022 tournament, made for a storybook run with the English national team. She was razor-sharp in the most pivotal moments of games. Most famously, she saved two German penalties in the final shoot-out, as heroic as any player as England won their first major title.
Winning the 2025 Yachine Trophy at the Ballon d’Or reaffirmed her status as one of the top goalkeepers in women’s football. This award really highlighted her strong technical talents. It celebrated her amazing perseverance, her power to overcome personal demons while still being an elite athlete and a world-class competitor.
Additionally, Earps pushes the reader to consider the power of vulnerability and honesty. While she understands that such openness may not be welcomed by all, it’s hard to be so transparent and honest on the page. That’s what makes my book so special. I understand that my candor and my vulnerability will produce both agreement and disagreement,” she told me. That’s alright. Everyone can feel how they want to feel and I’m here for it.
As Earps exits the international scene, her impact cannot be understated. It is filled with accomplishment and yet equally noted for its controversy. Her retirement brings a close to a notable chapter of her career. As public contract discussions continue, it shines a light on the intricacies of team dynamics in today’s professional sports.
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