Mary Earps, the celebrated goalkeeper for the England women’s national football team, known as the Lionesses, is set to receive a farewell tribute at Wembley on April 14, 2026, as she retires from international duty just six weeks before Euro 2025. Earps has been instrumental in England’s recent successes, including their triumph at Euro 2022 and their impressive run to the final of the 2023 World Cup.
Throughout her career, Earps has made significant contributions to women’s football, and her departure from the international scene marks the end of an era. She has played only once for England since the publication of her autobiography, which has sparked controversy due to her critical remarks about head coach Sarina Wiegman’s decision to restore Hannah Hampton to the squad. In her book, titled “All In,” Earps described the situation as “bullshit,” highlighting the intense competition among goalkeepers.
Wiegman, who has expressed hope that Earps will receive a warm reception from the crowd at Wembley, acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding Earps’ comments. “She deserves a great farewell. I hope we celebrate her and it will be a nice moment,” Wiegman stated, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the memories created during Earps’ career.
Earps has also reflected on the fallout from her autobiography, stating, “That was kind of my first rodeo with ‘cancel culture’, and 0 out of 10 – would not recommend to other people.” This admission underscores the challenges she faced in navigating public perception while remaining a role model for aspiring athletes.
In addition to her on-field achievements, Earps has launched the KeepHers initiative, which provides free goalkeeping sessions for young female footballers aged six to 18 in Manchester. This program aims to inspire the next generation of players and ensure that the sport continues to grow and evolve.
As she prepares for her farewell, Earps’ current club, Paris Saint-Germain, is facing uncertainty as her contract is set to expire this summer. This adds another layer of complexity to her transition from international play, as she contemplates her future in club football.
Statistically, Earps has had a challenging season, conceding 18 goals against an expected goals on target (xGOT) of 13.20. Despite these figures, her reputation as one of the world’s best goalkeepers remains intact, and she was honored as the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
As the date of her tribute approaches, the exact nature of the reception Earps will receive at Wembley remains unclear. However, with a potential attendance of 75,000 fans expected for the match against Spain, it is anticipated that her contributions to the sport will be celebrated in a fitting manner.
