Ex-Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps has decided to snub the invite of a Wembley farewell in November following her retirement – but talks continue over a future date
Marys Earps has turned down an invitation from the FA, who offered her a farewell moment at Wembley in light of her controversial retirement.
Earps was promised a ‘full tribute’ to recognise her ‘international career and her significant contribution to English football’ after she chose to call time on her stint with the Lionesses before the summer’s Euros.
Since then several games and international windows have come and gone without Earps being recognised and the 31-year-old, who is now playing her football with PSG, declined an invitation to hold the tribute before the Lionesses’ friendly against China at Wembley on November 29.
The Daily Mail reports that discussions have taken place between Earps and her representatives. She has declined on this occasion due to a scheduling conflict but talks are expected to resume after next week’s World Cup qualification draw.
Earps shocked the Lionesses when she decided to retire in May, just 36 days before Sarina Wiegman’s side began their European title defence. She had been in goal for the Euros success of 2022 and the World Cup final appearance not long after.
READ MORE: Former England footballer Alex Scott ‘signs up’ for this year’s I’m A CelebrityREAD MORE: Mary Earps set to reveal things ‘she’s never talked about publicly before’ in new memoir
Wiegman admitted: “I’m really disappointed, I want her in my team. That must have been a hard decision for her, and so it is for us. Of course there have been conversations, that’s between us, it’s confidential.”
Hannah Hampton stepped up to claim the No. 1 jersey, starting every match of the Lionesses’ European Championship and was recently awarded the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. She produced several headline moments and was the hero in the final as England claimed glory in a penalty shootout.
Earps has previously claimed that whilst she had the support of her team-mates she copped huge criticism for choosing to call time on her international career.
“I think that I was villainised in a way,” she said. “That probably was a bit hard to see things and read things, but it’s more what my friends and family see. I’m upset for them because I’m like: ‘You didn’t choose this. You’ve got to now deal with this.’ That’s hard. But in the end I feel like it was the right decision.”
Earps, who retired with 53 caps to her name, was criticised for the timing of her retirement given she had lost her starting place to Hampton.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.