Sarina Wiegman reveals how 'disappointed' Mary Earps reacted to being left out of Lionesses' Euro 2025 qualifying clash with Ireland

England Women's manager Sara Wiegman made the big call of selecting Hannah Hampton ahead of Mary Earps for their European Championship qualifier against Ireland. The Chelsea goalkeeper impressed, keeping a clean sheet as the Lionesses won 2-0 at the Aviva Stadium.

Eaprs has long been England's No.1, winning 49 caps since her debut in 2017, as well as the Euros in 2022 and the World Cup Golden Glove in 2023. The Manchester United stopper also was named the Lionesses' Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season. Hampton, however, has been in great form of late for Chelsea, prompting Wiegman to hand her a start.

Speaking after the game, Wiegman said of Earps' reaction to being left out: "Of course she was disappointed because she wants to play. She has been so good for us and very consistent. Yes, she was disappointed, we had that conversation. Then she just showed up and moved on."

The battle for the No.1 shirt will be fascinating but it will need to take a backseat with the Lionesses not in action again until the end of May. Before then, Hampton will be looking to clinch a treble with Chelsea, while Earps and United are just hoping to finish the WSL season strongly.