Mary Earps on the bench! Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman sticks with Hannah Hampton for crucial qualifier with Ireland despite England's long-time No.1 returning from injury

Mary Earps is on the Lionesses' bench for a crucial qualifier against Ireland despite returning from injury, with Hannah Hampton starting instead.

WHAT HAPPENED?
Earps limped off just minutes into England's clash with France in late May, having picked up a hip problem in the opening moments of what was her 50th appearance for her country. Hampton came in for her team-mate and impressed in that game, despite defeat, and the win away at Les Bleues just a few days later, so much so that she has kept her place for Friday's Euro 2025 qualifying clash with Ireland.

Getty
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Lionesses' boss Sarina Wiegman revealed in her press conference on Thursday that there were no concerns over Earps' fitness, though she did admit that she had a hard decision to make when it came to picking between her and Hampton. The two have shared goalkeeper duties more than ever in 2024 and that is continuing into this crucial July window.
DID YOU KNOW?
England are currently third in their qualifying group for Euro 2025. However, they know that victory over Ireland on Friday and a win in Sweden on Tuesday will secure automatic qualification for next summer's tournament, at which they will be defending champions.

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
The Lionesses might even only need a point in Gothenburg on Tuesday, though that will only be if they beat Ireland and Sweden also lose in France.

WHAT HAPPENED?