England squad hope Mary Earps has made right decision after retiring from Lionesses duties

England skipper Leah Williamson has expressed her support for Mary Earps following the goalkeeper’s retirement from international football.

Earps, who recently joined Paris Saint-Germain, confirmed she would no longer play for England on Tuesday, just over a month before Euro 2025 begins.

The announcement’s timing drew some criticism, but when asked if she viewed Earps’ decision as selfish, Williamson defended her friend’s choice.

“I think to arrive at that decision must be one of the hardest things in your career,” Williamson said.

“She is a human first and I hope Mary is OK and it’s the best decision for her. We will miss her.”

Williamson, fresh from lifting the Women’s Champions League trophy with Arsenal last Saturday, also shared how close she is to Earps on and off the pitch.

“I spoke to Mary, she’s one of my closest friends in football – so I’m devastated, just because I love her, I love being her team-mate,” she added.

“I think the way that she wears the England shirt is an example to us all so I’m very sad that those memories are not going to continue in an England shirt.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman "wanted Mary Earps in her team" this summer, after the goalkeeper announced her international retirement earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/C2Rv0SLSaK

— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) May 29, 2025

“But for her, she thinks this is the best thing, and I’ll support her in that always.”

Head coach Sarina Wiegman also addressed Earps’ exit, admitting she was “really disappointed and sad” about the decision.

She added: “That must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us.

“Of course, I have a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share here because that’s between us. It’s hard, I find it hard, and it’s hard for her at the same time.

“She has done such a great job for England. She has made a massive difference and we’ve had an incredible journey so far. I really cherish that.

“It’s emotional because we also have a relationship and we’ve had such a massive journey together with lots of highs and, of course, some lows too.

“That’s what makes it really hard. But we have to move on and we don’t have time now to celebrate because we’re going into the Euros.”

Earps concludes her England career with 53 appearances across eight years.

She was part of the squads that lifted the 2022 Euros trophy and the 2023 Women’s Finalissima, and she also helped England reach the World Cup final last year.

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