Playing a key role in the team’s success at the UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2022, Earps was due to participate alongside the Lionesses in the 2025 tournament – which commences in just five weeks.
Graduating from the University in 2016 with a BSc Information Management and Business degree from the Loughborough Business School, Mary balanced her studies alongside her athletic development while at Loughborough. She received an Honorary Degree in Winter 2023 for her contributions to football and women’s sport.
She made her first full international debut in 2017 and became a regular in Sarina Wiegman’s side.
In a statement on her international retirement, Mary said:
“It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life to wear this badge and represent my country.
“I'm a proper sop when it comes to playing for England.
“Anyone who knows me knows that playing at the top of the game is what drives me, and it doesn't get bigger than the international stage.”
Earps has been recognised for her achievements nationally and internationally, named as England Women’s Player of the Year, The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year, and BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2023. She was also named BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023 and is a two-time winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award. Mary also made history when she placed 5th in the 2023 Ballon d'Or Feminin award - the highest ever ranking for a goalkeeper.
Making 53 senior appearances over an eight-year period, her involvement in the squad has assisted England in progressing in major tournaments and in raising the profile of the women’s game. The team reached the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup and lifted the UEFA Women’s European Championships trophy in 2022.
In league football, Mary earned her first professional contract at Reading, aged 17. She joined Paris Saint-Germain last summer following her departure from Manchester United and the Women’s Super League.
Earps is confident that she has made the right decision and hopes to give the younger generation of Lionesses an opportunity to thrive.