Latest news with #Earps
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Lionesses icon blasts Mary Earps over 'awful' timing of shock England retirement
Lionesses icon Siobhan Chamberlain has slammed Mary Earps over his shock England retirement, insisting that her timing has been 'awful'. Former England goalkeeper Chamberlain, who played 50 games for the Lionesses from 2004 to 2018, has accused Earps of throwing a 'grenade' into Sarina Wiegman's plans for the 2025 Women's Euros in Switzerland. Earps, named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 after her performances at the Women's World Cup, recently lost her spot in the England XI to Chelsea's Hannah Hampton and decided to quit this week. Chamberlain has no doubt that England manager Wiegman has been left 'angry' at Earps as she shared her opinion on ITV 4 on Friday evening. Speaking ahead of England's Women's Nations League match against Portugal, Chamberlain said: '[Earps' decision was] a huge shock. 'I don't think anyone expected it and I think it blindsided Sarina Wiegman. She's a meticulous planner. It threw a bit of a grenade into her plans.' Quizzed if Earps had betrayed her country, Chamberlain added: 'There's been a lot of harsh words. I think betrayal is a very harsh word in football but would Sarina have been angry? Would she have been frustrated? Absolutely she would have been and rightly so. The timing is awful.' Earps decision to retire from international duty ahead of this summer's major tournament is a massive blow for England as they look to defend their Euros crown – and has left several former Lionesses disappointed. 'I was disappointed to hear the news,' former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley told BBC Radio 5 Live. 'She has been pivotal to all the success we have had in recent years. She has had an incredible international career and it will leave a gaping hole.' England boss Wiegman, speaking on Thursday about the bombshell news, said: 'I'm really disappointed, I want her in my team.' Despite her international retirement, Earps is still continuing her club career with French side Paris Saint-Germain, having joined them in 2024 from Manchester United. Earps, who was crowned The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023, has announced that she is taking a break from social media. 'It's been a difficult and emotional few days – I can't tell you how much I appreciate every single message of support,' she posted on Instagram. More Trending 'I'm coming off socials for a bit. There are a few pre-planned contractual ads that need posting. 'So my management will be running my account while I'm gone. 'Wishing the girls all the best for the game tonight and on Tuesday – I'll be cheering you all on.' Earps, who earned the nickname 'Mary Queen of Stops', played a total of 53 games for England, helping the country land the Euro 2022 trophy. MORE: Ian Wright aims dig at Arsenal men's team after Women's Champions League win MORE: Arsenal stun Barcelona to win Women's Champions League final MORE: Man Utd's Grace Clinton bullish ahead of FA Cup final: 'Chelsea aren't invincible'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mary Earps announces Lionesses retirement ahead of European Championship defence
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mary Earps made 53 senior appearances for the Lionesses. | Credit: Getty Images Mary Earps has announced her shock retirement from international football. The former Manchester United Women's goalkeeper has made the decision just weeks before England begin their European Championship defence in Switzerland this summer. Advertisement Earps played a key role in the Lionesses' Euro 2022 success, but has since been replaced of late by Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Mary Earps announces shock retirement from international football, claiming it's time to let 'the younger generation an opportunity to thrive' Mary Earps has been pivotal in the growth of the women's game | Credit: Getty Images Having made 53 senior appearances over eight years for England, Earps' additional achievements include winning the 2023 Women's Finalissima before helping Sarina Wiegman's side reach the final of the 2023 Women's World Cup. "I had hoped that Mary [Earps] would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed," Wiegman said in reaction to the news, as relayed by BBC Sport. Earps was instrumental during the Lionesses Euro 2022 success | Credit: 2022 The FA "This is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive," said Mary. "Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer." Advertisement She continued on social media, admitting it is time for the baton to be passed on as she looks forward. "It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge and represent my country. I wish I could do it forever, but sadly all good things must come to an end. "My journey has never been the simplest, so in true Mary fashion, this isn't a simple goodbye - right before a major tournament. Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision. There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren't important right now. "This is a new era and a new England team, and I'm looking forward to watching them this summer. I know that while this won't make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts." Mary Earps currently plays in France for PSG | Credit: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images Having left Manchester United under some controversy back in 2024, the 32-year-old won BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, further adding to her glittering list of career achievements. "I have given everything, my heart and soul," she concluded. "I left it all out there on the pitch and did my best to help systemic change of it. I have no regrets."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why is Mary Earps retiring from England now?
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mary Earps won the Euros with England. | Credit: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images Mary Earps announced her international retirement on Tuesday, just five weeks before the England attempt to defend their European Championship title. Advertisement Earps has been in a battle for the number one shirt with Chelsea's Hannah Hampton recently but has consistently been selected for England camps. Despite her almost guaranteed involvement in the Euros squad, Earps has decided to hang up her boots. But why now? Mary Earps: "Ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside" Mary Earps won the Golden Glove at the 2023 World Cup | Credit: Getty Images Earps herself chose not to delve into specific reasons for why she has chosen now to retire internationally but she did say it was the "right time". She is continuing her club career, Earps currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Mary Earps won SPOTY in 2023 | Credit:Earps said in a statement: 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer. Advertisement "My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn't a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament. Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision. "There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren't important right now, but what it boils down to is: it's now the right moment for me to step aside. This is a new era and a new England team, and I'm looking forward to watching them this summer. 'In the end all you have is all you are – your character. And I know that whilst this won't make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.' Mary Earps is one of the most recognisable Lionesses | Credit: Getty Images Reports have suggested England manager Sarina Wiegman is angered by the timing of Earps' announcement with a major tournament just around the corner. Advertisement However, other sources have said Earps has been in contact with Wiegman about the decision for 12-18 months. The specific reasoning behind her decision may come out in the future when Earps wants to discuss it. In the meantime, fans have had a mixed reaction to the news. Some have celebrated Earps' career which included the 2022 Euros trophy and helping England reach the World Cup final in 2023. One said: "Don't think people realise that retiring from your national team isn't just a decision you make on a whim? Mary Earps has given her all for this shirt, there would never have been a good time to retire and she has given her all to this England team." Advertisement And another added: "Mary Earps isn't just a great goalkeeper — she's a game-changer, a role model, and a true leader. Massive respect." A third posted: "Mary Earps is the ultimate professional. For her to make a decision like this so close to the Euros, leads me to think that something isn't right for her at this time." Mary Earps is a fan favourite | Credit:While others have criticised the goalkeeper for the timing of her retirement. One said: "Quitting international football five weeks before a major tournament, just after you've been dropped for the first time. Seems to be all about me, rather than all about the team. Mary Earps, on the face of it, is letting England down." Advertisement And another added: "In other words Mary earps has spat her dummy out of her pram, the end." Rumours have also started circling that she will also still be a part of the Euros this summer but as a pundit. She was part of the BBC team who covered the Women's FA Cup final earlier this month.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
‘What Mary's done for the game is incredibly impactful, she's a huge loss this summer' Former Lionesses goalkeeper Carly Telford on Mary Earps' England legacy
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Mary Earps on England duty against Belgium in 2024. | Credit: Nick Potts The news that Mary Earps is stepping back from international football on the eve of Euro 2025 has caused shockwaves in the women's game. Advertisement A stalwart of the Lionesses setup, a Euro 2022 winner, a World Cup finalist in 2023, and recipient of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, Earps' decision comes just weeks before England's squad is expected to assemble for this summer's Women's Euros. Few are better placed to reflect on her legacy than former England and Chelsea goalkeeper Carly Telford, who spent years alongside Earps in the national setup and watched her rise from a talented youngster to one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Carly Telford: 'When it comes to a decision like this, it would have taken Mary Earps a long time to reach one.' Mary Earps made 53 senior appearances for the Lionesses. | Credit: Getty Images 'I think everyone's shocked,' Telford tells FourFourTwo as an ambassador for Sure UK's Breaking Limits campaign, which helps young people overcome barriers related to gender, race or ability to improve their confidence to move more. Advertisement 'When it comes to a decision like that, it would have taken Mary a long time to reach it. I remember when I retired fully, it wasn't something that I just thought of suddenly. It wasn't one moment that triggered me into being like, 'Oh, actually, I'm done with this.' It's a decision made across multiple months, multiple days, multiple conversations with friends, family, coaching staff and others.' Earps celebrates winning the 2024 FA Cup as a Manchester United player, prior to her move to current club PSG. | Credit: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images Earps, 32, has long been more than just a goalkeeper for England. She has been a leader, an icon, and a symbol of the evolving stature of women's football. Her standout performances, particularly during the 2022 European Championship victory and the 2023 World Cup run, helped define a golden era for the Lionesses. 'Mary would have taken the time to reach her decision,' Telford continues. 'Now she feels like it's the right time for her to step back. And yes, of course, we would have liked Mary to go to this summer's Euros and have her experience within the group and what she brings. But at the same time, Mary is her own person. She has her own responsibility in what she wants to do and how she wants to do it. Advertisement 'Maybe she felt that it was best to do it now, to give the group the opportunity to embed a new goalkeeper in there ahead of the tournament,' says Telford. 'And for the group to get used to her not being around, because she has been for so many years.' Earps made 53 appearances for the Lionesses and was named FIFA Best Women's Goalkeeper in 2022. But her influence goes far beyond the pitch. Earps has given way for the likes of Hannah Hampton | Credit: Justin Setterfield - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images 'I feel like Mary's given everything to the badge,' Telford tells FFT. 'I've known Mary since she was like 19 or 20 and she's given her everything to the successes that she's had, and I think how she's helped change attitudes towards female goalkeepers.' Advertisement Earps' shot-stopping ability, command of her area and vocal leadership set a new standard for women's goalkeeping in England, But it's her willingness to speak out about inequality that perhaps sets her apart the most. In 2023, she spoke out against Nike's decision not to offer the women's goalkeeper kit for sale on the company's website – something they had done for the men's team previously. The US sports brand eventually reversed their decision. 'I just hope that her legacy doesn't go amiss or get called into question because of the timing of her news,' Telford adds. 'But yeah, I think what Mary's done for the game is incredibly impactful. I feel very lucky to have shared a dressing room and a pitch with her, and I hope she goes on to do amazing things. I know she will. She's just that kind of person. Carly Telford says Earps will be a big loss 'But she's a huge loss to the squad,' explains Telford. 'At the same time, there's lots of girls that are chomping at the bit to take that legacy forward.' Advertisement Telford's involvement in Sure's Breaking Limits campaign has recently focused on improving opportunities and attitudes towards young women in sport. 'There's been some data found that around 50 percent of girls don't have female role models, which is incredible when you think about the impact of the Lionesses,' she tells FFT. 'About 67 per cent feel that they have barriers when it comes to sport. So whether that's equipment, whether that's the way they feel or look and the special anxieties they experience around that. 'A lot of them say sweating can make them feel uncomfortable, which I can remember feeling when I was at school. If I had class after a PE lesson, I preferred not to get too sweaty, which is something that bothers boys less. So those sorts of barriers, I think, but having that data to show I think it's so important, because then being able to talk about it and then put a program in place that emphasises that is hugely impactful.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Mary Earps announces shock England retirement ahead of Euros
Mary Earps has announced her decision to retire from England duty, just months before the Lionesses defend their European Championship title this summer. The goalkeeper won 53 caps and was part of the England squad that won the Euros in 2022. Advertisement Earps was also England's No1 when they reached the World Cup final in 2023, winning the Golden Glove at the tournament and then BBC Sports Personality of the Year. But the 32-year-old's place in the side has come under threat recently from Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Earps saved a penalty in the 2023 World Cup final as England lost to Spain (AP) Hampton has started the last three England games, including their 1-0 win over world champions Spain in February. Explaining her retirement, Earps has said she has taken the 'difficult decision' to 'step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive'. Earps said: 'I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. Advertisement 'I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. 'Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.' England are in action this week when they host Portugal on Friday. The Lionesses will then travel to Spain four days later for the final game of their Nations League campaign. Earps had been named in the squad for those matches and her immediate retirements means Hampton, Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse are the three goalkeepers available to head coach Sarina Wiegman. Advertisement Hampton should start both games and is now expected to be England's No1 at the Euros this summer. Wiegman has been left 'disappointed' by Earps' decision. Earps is a leader in the dressing room and has been a huge driver in the growth of the women's game - both on and off the pitch. 'I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,' said Wiegman. 'Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept. 'Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. Advertisement 'We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Women's Nations League fixtures and the Euros.' The Football Association have said a full tribute to Earps' international career and her significant contribution to English football will be made at a Lionesses' fixture after the summer.
