Mary Earps, the iconic goalkeeper who played a pivotal role in the Lionesses’ triumph at Euro 2022 and their remarkable journey to the 2023 World Cup final, is set to receive a heartfelt farewell at Wembley on April 14, 2026. As she retires from international duty just six weeks ahead of Euro 2025, the potential attendance of 75,000 fans is a testament to her impact on women’s football.
Earps, who has only appeared once for England since the release of her autobiography, ‘All In’, returned to her former club Manchester United in the Women’s Champions League. In her book, she candidly criticized head coach Sarina Wiegman’s decision to reinstate Hannah Hampton to the squad, describing the selection process as “bullshit.” Despite the controversy, Wiegman hopes that Earps will be celebrated for her contributions to the team.
Reflecting on her journey, Earps expressed regret over her comments in the autobiography, acknowledging the tough lessons learned during the fallout. “That was kind of my first rodeo with ‘cancel culture’, and 0 out of 10 – would not recommend to other people,” she remarked. Yet, her commitment to the sport remains unwavering, as she stated, “I want to leave the game in a better place than where I found it.” This sentiment is evident in her recent initiative, KeepHers, which offers free goalkeeping sessions to young female players in Manchester.
As she prepares for her farewell, the atmosphere at Wembley is expected to be a mix of cheers and nostalgia. Wiegman emphasized the importance of cherishing the moments shared with Earps, stating, “Everyone will have an opinion but let’s cherish the moment we had. Mary had a great career for us. She was the world’s best.” This acknowledgment from her coach underscores the respect and admiration Earps has garnered throughout her career.
In her time at Paris Saint-Germain, Earps has faced challenges, conceding 18 goals this season against an expected goals on target (xGOT) of 13.20. Despite these statistics, her legacy as a formidable goalkeeper remains intact. The emotional farewell at Wembley will not only honor her achievements but also inspire the next generation of female athletes.
On the Mary Earps Pitch, 33 young players are set to participate in goalkeeping sessions, alongside 20 others playing pick-up games, showcasing the community’s support for her initiatives. As she steps away from the international stage, the impact of her work will continue to resonate within the sport.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of the reception Earps will receive at Wembley, but one thing is certain: her contributions to women’s football will be celebrated, and her legacy will inspire many for years to come.
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