Mary Earps announces her England retirement! Lionesses star makes shock decision on international future - less than six weeks before European Championship title defence begins

The goalkeeper, who is still only 32 years old, revealed her decision on Tuesday, three days before England are back in Nations League action against Portugal. It comes amid a fierce battle to be the Lionesses' No.1 at this summer's Euros, which Earps has been locked into with Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton. England boss Sarina Wiegman recently said that Hampton was "a little bit ahead" in that race, albeit with Earps right on her heels and clearly in the mix to start in Switzerland this summer.

Hampton will now inherit that No.1 status by default, but Wiegman's main concern will be the lack of experience behind the Chelsea star. Anna Moorhouse, of the Orlando Pride, and Khiara Keating, at Manchester City, are the other two goalkeepers in the Lionesses' squad for this international break, but neither have even won a senior cap yet. If Hampton were to suffer an injury before the Euros begin on July 2, it would leave the defending champions without a proven replacement.

"I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally," Earps said. "It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players. I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. 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."

Wiegman added: "I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed. Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept. Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football. We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming Nations League fixtures and the Euros."

Earps starred for England when they won the Euros back in 2022, named The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper in the aftermath. She retained that individual accolade 12 months later, too, after playing a key role in the Lionesses' run to the final of the 2023 Women's World Cup. She has been one of her country's most important players - on and off the pitch - under Wiegman, but now they must contemplate how to cope without her qualities in a huge summer.

Earps will have chance to say goodbye to the England fans this week, when the Lionesses take on Portugal at Wembley on Friday evening. That is the team's penultimate Nations League group stage match, with a trip to Spain to take on the world champions to follow on June 3. England are currently second in their group, two points behind La Roja, but know that two wins would see them finish top and qualify for the Nations League finals.