England Goalkeeper Mary Earps Retires Ahead Euro 2024

Mary Earps, England's celebrated goalkeeper and key figure in their Euro 2022 victory and 2023 World Cup runner-up finish, has announced her retirement from international football just weeks before the European Championship. Her decision, reportedly influenced by being informed she would not be the starting goalkeeper at the tournament, has sparked mixed reactions ranging from disappointment and sadness to criticism of the timing. Despite stepping away, Earps's impact on the sport is widely acknowledged, including her advocacy for better goalkeeping coaching and her successful campaign to compel Nike to produce women's goalkeeper shirts. England coach Sarina Wiegman expressed regret at Earps's departure but highlighted emerging talents like Hannah Hampton as potential successors. Earps's career, marked by resilience through setbacks and accolades such as two FIFA Best Goalkeeper awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year, leaves a significant gap in the England squad. As the team prepares for the upcoming Nations League matches and the Euro 2025, the focus shifts to honoring Earps's legacy and adapting to this new era in England women's football.