England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman said she was disappointed by goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shock decision to retire from international football, adding that she did a great job for the team.
Earps, 32, announced her international retirement on Tuesday, only about five weeks before the Women’s Euros start in Switzerland. The PSG goalkeeper’s decision was unexpected as she had been the Lionesses’ no. 1 choice for a long time.
The Nottingham-born played every game during England’s triumphant Euro campaign in 2022, as well as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they were the finalists.
However, of late, she had been facing increased competition for her place in the Lionesses lineup from Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton.
“I’m really disappointed, I want her in my team,” Wiegman told a press conference on Thursday.
“That must have been a hard decision for her, and so it is for us. Of course, there have been conversations, that’s between us, it’s confidential.”
Praise For Mary Earps
Earps had been included by Wiegman in England’s squad for the upcoming Nations League games against Portugal and Spain. But her announcement means she will not feature in those matches either, retiring with 53 caps during her eight-year international career.
She had been voted The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper in 2022 and 2023, the first-ever player to win the award twice. Earps also won the Golden Glove Award at the 2023 World Cup.
“She has done such a great job for England, we’ve had an incredible journey,” Wiegman added.
“I really cherish that, that’s where the disappointment comes from. It’s emotional, because we have a relationship and we’ve had lots of highs, some lows too. It makes it hard. I’m sad.
“I try to connect with players in the best possible way. What you hope is that everyone feels good enough, fit enough and ready to come in, but that’s not always the case.
“It’s part of the increased demands on players and development of the game. We have to keep having conversations together.”
Mary Earps’ Absence Leaves A ‘Gap’
England captain Leah Williamson was also dejected by Earps’ decision to hang up her boots.
“I spoke to Mary. She’s one of my closest friends in football. I’m devastated because I love her,” Williamson said. “I’m very sad that those memories aren’t got to continue in an England shirt. If she thinks this is best for her I’ll support her always.”
The defender added that Earps’ absence would leave a “gap” in the squad, but affirmed that other players would step up.
Hampton is expected to be England’s first-choice keeper at the Euros, while Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse could be the backups.
England will begin their Women’s Euro title defense against France on July 5 in Zurich.