This video can not be played Earps elevated levels of goalkeeping in England England's preparations for the European Championship this summer have suffered a blow with the news of Mary Earps' international retirement. The 32-year-old had been the Lionesses' undisputed starting goalkeeper since 2021, but recently found herself ousted by Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. With Hampton expected to start in goal at Euro 2025 in Switzerland this summer,Earps announced her immediate retirementon Tuesday, just five weeks before the start of the tournament. Her decision leaves Sarina Wiegman and her squad in an unexpected situation. So where do they go from here? Sarina Wiegman brought Mary Earps back into the England fold after she was dropped by Phil Neville in 2019 Nobody was exepecting Earps to retire at this stage, not least Wiegman. The England manager admitted she was "disappointed" by Earps' decision, having hoped she would play an "important role" this summer. Earps' team-mates only found out on Monday when they reported for upcoming Nations League games against Portugal and Spain. She did not train and returned home. "I don't think any of us saw that coming. I'm in shock really," Euro 2022 winner Ellen White told BBC Radio 5 Live'sWomen's Football Weekly. "It's so close to the Euros. I don't really know what to say because it is just crazy. It's surprising with the timing and how close it is to the Euros." Whether Earps would have played in Switzerland or not, her absence will surely have a significant impact on the squad. This video can not be played Carter praises Earps for her 'bravery' after England retirement "She's a huge character, a leader in the team, so she is going to be a big loss," added White. "One thing that I know about Mary, when the team is at a low point or in a tournament when sometimes the emotions dip, she brings a lot of energy when it's needed," England midfielder Keira Walsh said. Over 53 caps, Earps helped England win Euro 2022 and reach the final of the 2023 World Cup, and has twice been named the best women's goalkeeper in the world. "She's a fantastic person, a fantastic goalkeeper. Without her there would have been no Euros win for the Lionesses," fellow Euros-winner Jill Scott told BBC Breakfast. England manager Wiegman is now left with a lack of experience in the goalkeeping department as two of the three remaining in the squad - Manchester City's Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse of Orlando Pride - have no senior caps. Hannah Hampton has kept six clean sheets in 13 England appearances There remain unanswered questions regarding Earps' decision to retire, but one thing is clear - Hampton is England's number one. The 24-year-old has been limited to 13 caps since making her senior debut in 2022, partly because she was dropped from the squad in later that year because of attitude concerns, and due to Earps' form. This season Hampton played a key role in Chelsea winning a domestic treble, while she has started England's last three games ahead of Earps, including an impressive 1-0 win against Spain at Wembley. "She is England's number one, there is no question about it," said White. "I think it does leave her to have a lot of pressure on her shoulders now. It feels like she has to be flawless now, and Hannah has got that in her. "She has got a hell of a lot of [club] experience, she is an unbelievable goalkeeper." Scott felt that Earps "would have challenged Hannah," irrespective of who ended up starting England's Euros opener against France on 5 July. "I've known her since she was 16 at Birmingham," said White. "I feel so excited for her and I feel like she is ready to prove to the world that she is one of the best goalkeepers." The obvious worry for Wiegman is what to do should Hampton suffer an injury or pick up a suspension during the Euros. Manchester City's Keating is likely the next in line, though she is yet to earn a senior cap and has endured an inconsistent season. After starting all 22 of City's Women's Super League matches last season and winning the WSL Golden Glove award, this term the 20-year-old had to share game time with summer signing Ayaka Yamashita. Keating's performance levels dropped significantly as she made several errors, including two in a 4-2 home defeat to Manchester United. Like Hampton, her distribution is among the strongest in the WSL. Moorhouse - also uncapped - is the other goalkeeper currently in Wiegman's squad. The 30-year-old Orlando Pride goalkeeper received her first senior call-up last July having never represented England at youth level. Having previously played for Durham, Doncaster Rovers Belles, Arsenal and West Ham, Moorhouse left French side Bordeaux to join Orlando in 2022, where she won the NWSL Shield and the NWSL Championship last season. Ellie Roebuck could be a wildcard option should Wiegman want to add some experience to her goalkeeping group. Roebuck has endured a turbulent couple of years - after falling out of favour at Manchester City under then-manager Gareth Taylor, the 25-year-oldsuffered a strokeafter agreeing to join Barcelona. Though Roebuck made a full recovery, she has made just two league appearances since joining the Catalan club last summer. With 11 England caps she is more experienced than both Keating and Moorhouse, though her last call-up came in October 2023. Earp's retirement could see her come in from the cold. This video can not be played I could have lost my vision - Roebuck on stroke Head here to get involved
Where does Earps retirement leave England?
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mary Earps Retires from International Football Ahead of Euro 2025"
Bbc News
8.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Mary Earps, the Lionesses' starting goalkeeper since 2021, has announced her retirement from international football just five weeks before the European Championship in Switzerland, leaving England's squad in a challenging position. The unexpected decision came after Earps was recently replaced by Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, who is now poised to take the starting role at Euro 2025. England manager Sarina Wiegman expressed her disappointment at Earps' retirement, having anticipated the goalkeeper would play a crucial part in the tournament. Team-mates were similarly taken aback by the news, with Euro 2022 winner Ellen White describing the timing as shocking and unexpected. Earps has been a vital figure in the team, known for her leadership and ability to uplift the squad during challenging moments, making her absence particularly significant as the team prepares for the upcoming competition.
With Earps' retirement, Wiegman faces a lack of experience in the goalkeeping position, as two of the remaining options, Manchester City’s Khiara Keating and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse, have yet to earn senior caps. Hannah Hampton, who has played 13 times for England and recently contributed to Chelsea's domestic treble, will now carry the weight of being the first-choice goalkeeper. While Hampton has shown promise, the pressure on her could increase if she were to face injuries or suspensions during the Euros. Keating, who has had an inconsistent season, and Moorhouse, who is also uncapped, are potential backups, while Ellie Roebuck could be considered for her experience, having previously faced a tumultuous period in her career. Overall, Earps' sudden retirement raises numerous questions for the England squad as they head into a critical tournament, with the team needing to adapt quickly to her absence.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article addresses the unexpected retirement of Mary Earps from the England women's national football team, which poses significant implications for the team's preparations for the upcoming European Championship. Earps was a key player, and her departure raises questions about the squad's future and leadership dynamics.
Impacts on Team Dynamics
Earps' retirement leaves a notable gap in the team, not only in terms of skill but also in leadership. Her teammates expressed shock and disappointment, indicating her role as a motivator and a source of energy during crucial moments. This highlights the importance of not just the technical skills of players but also their emotional contributions to the team's morale and cohesion.
Public Reaction and Perception
The reaction from players and the England manager, Sarina Wiegman, suggests a shared sentiment of disbelief regarding the timing of Earps' decision. The unexpected nature of this announcement could foster a sense of instability within the team as they prepare for a major tournament. The article effectively captures this emotional landscape, aiming to connect with readers who are invested in women's football and the national team's journey.
Underlying Messaging
There is an underlying message about the unpredictability of sports careers and the personal choices athletes make, which can impact team strategies and expectations. The article seems to want to highlight the human aspect of sports, emphasizing the emotional weight of such decisions on both players and fans.
Comparative Analysis
In the broader context of sports journalism, this article aligns with a trend of focusing on personal stories of athletes, rather than just statistics or game outcomes. It reflects a shift in how sports narratives are constructed, often prioritizing emotional and personal dimensions over traditional analyses.
Potential Societal Impact
The news could influence public sentiment towards the England women's national team, potentially affecting viewership and support. Given the growing interest in women's sports, especially after the success of Euro 2022, this development could lead to discussions on leadership and resilience within the team as they face the tournament without a key figure.
Audience Engagement
The article is likely to resonate with fans of women's football, particularly those who have followed Earps' career. It appeals to a community that values both the sporting achievements and personal stories of female athletes, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the players.
In conclusion, the article serves to inform the public about a significant change in the England women's national team while also provoking thoughts on the implications of such a sudden retirement. The reliability of the information is bolstered by direct quotes from teammates and the manager, lending credibility to the narrative.