Ex-Lioness Mary Earps leaves social media after 'difficult & emotional few days' amid backlash to goalkeeper's shock England retirement ahead of Euro 2025 defence

Posting on Instagram, Earps announced that after "a difficult and emotional few days" she would be stepping away from her social channels. She has been criticised for her decision to retire ahead of England's defence of their European title this summer.

Earps wrote: "It's been a difficult and emotional few days - I can't tell you how much I appreciate every single message of support. I'm coming off socials for a bit. There are a few pre-planned contractual ads that need posting, so my management will be running my account while I'm gone."

Earps reportedly quit the international scene after a meeting with manager Sarina Wiegman in which she was told she would not be the number one goalkeeper at the Euros. Hannah Hampton has impressed in the Lionesses' net over the last 12 months and is set to take the shirt.

The Lionesses routed Portugal 6-0 in the Nations League at Wembley on Friday evening, with Chelsea striker Aggie Beever-Jones netting a first-half hat-trick. They take on Spain on Tuesday in a winner-takes-all clash at Espanyol's RCDE Stadium on Tuesday before preparation for the Euros becomes the sole focus.