Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of her decision to retire from international football, admitting she felt “villainised” by the public reaction following her shock announcement in May.
The 32-year-old, who was a key figure in the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 triumph, revealed her retirement just weeks before Euro 2025, stating that it was “the right time to step aside”.
Earps’ decision was rumoured to have been as a result of a fallout with Coach Sarina Wiegman, who seems to prefer Chelsea shotstopper Hannah Hampton as her first choice for the upcoming Euros this month in Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Wiegman’s decision, reportedly delivered ahead of the final squad announcement, is understood to have played a role in Earps stepping away.
The Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper opened up during an appearance on the Happy Place podcast, explaining how painful some of the backlash had been not just for her but for her loved ones as well.
leave ederson in america
— OB (@ofbmar) July 1, 2025
“I think that I was villainised in a way. That was hard to see and read,” Earps said. “But more so for my friends and family. I’d notice the way they interacted with me and I’d know — they’ve seen something. Then I’d feel bad for them, because they didn’t choose this. Now they’re having to deal with it too.”
Earps, who earned 53 caps with the Lionesses and spent five seasons at Manchester United before moving to PSG last year, admitted it was a deeply personal and complex decision that had been in discussion for more than a year.
“In full transparency, it was a very hard decision. It had been building for a long time 12 to 18 months,” she said. “Sarina asked me to reconsider in April. But mentally and physically, I felt I’d given everything. I just felt it was time.”
Earps also acknowledged the bittersweet emotions she expects to feel while watching England at the tournament.
“I don’t want it to be painful watching them,” she said. “But I won’t really know how it feels until I sit down and do it. There was a bit of relief in finally making the call. It had been a long time coming.”
While her departure came as a surprise to many, Earps insisted her teammates were supportive after she addressed them in person.
This corroborates the earlier report by Softfootball of multiple omissions of players for Weigman’s side ahead of the Euros after Millie Bright withdrawn from England Squad for Euro 2025 Citing Health Concerns.
“I’m quite private and I internalise a lot. But I had the chance to speak to the girls and say goodbye properly. These are women I’ve grown up with and shared so many incredible memories with. Of course it was sad, but it was the right thing. Now I’m looking forward to supporting them this summer.”
But with the absence of their experienced goalkeeper, Earps, who was instrumental for their 2022 success, the Prince of Wales has charged them to “Go out there and enjoy it”.
England have been drawn in Group D at Euro 2025 and kick off their campaign against France on July 5. Wiegman’s side will also face the Netherlands and Wales in the group stage as they look to defend their European title.
