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.
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”
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.
"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."
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."
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."
