Why Mary Earps has withdrawn from England squad as Lionesses provide major selection update ahead of crunch France clash

Earps had to be substituted after just seven minutes in the first game of the double-header against France in the 2025 European Championship qualifiers. The goalkeeper dropped to the floor holding her hip in the first minute of the game and tried to continue. However moments later, Earps was holding the affected area again and left the field in tears, before being replaced by Chelsea's Hannah Hampton. England boss Sarina Wiegman will be sweating on Earps' long-term fitness and they are taking no risks with the Man Utd No.1 withdrawing from the squad.

England confirmed the squad news, saying: "Mary Earps has withdrawn from the England senior women’s squad with a minor hip injury sustained during Friday’s narrow defeat by France.

"Birmingham City’s Lucy Thomas has moved to the 23-player squad from standby for Tuesday evening’s return fixture against Les Bleues in Saint-Etienne."

Earps has become a leader in the Lioness squad and one of England's most reliable players. Hampton will expect to start against Les Bleus in the return fixture on Tuesday, but she will have big boots, and gloves, to fill.

It is unlikely Lucy Thomas - still behind Hampton, Khiara Keating and Kayla Rendell in the pecking order - will get a chance to impress but will be keen to make an impression on Wiegman and the squad.

England face France on Tuesday in Saint-Etienne looking to avenge Friday's 2-1 defeat at St James' Park. Georgia Stanway has already quashed fears that England will suffer in Earps' absence but headaches remain at the other end of the pitch, with Arsenal's Alessia Russo the only recognised striker in the squad.