Why Mary Earps Spurned the Lionesses’ Wembley Salute After Stepping Away from International Play
Mary Earps, the celebrated England goalkeeper, has made headlines by declining a special recognition at Wembley, marking a poignant turn in her storied career. This decision stems from scheduling conflicts following her recent retirement announcement, highlighting the challenges athletes face in balancing personal milestones with professional honors.
Mary Earps’ Journey Beyond the Wembley Invitation
In a recent development, the Football Association proposed a ceremony for Earps at England’s iconic stadium on November 29, coinciding with the team’s friendly against China. This event represents the near-final match of the year and the first at Wembley since prior to the European Championship. Interestingly, Earps revealed her decision to retire from international duty only days before England’s encounter with Portugal, adding an emotional layer to the offer.
The Promise of a Fitting Farewell and Ongoing Discussions
Earps had been assured of a proper tribute to celebrate her transformative tenure with England upon her retirement. Yet, the specific date offered-England’s sole planned fixture at Wembley currently-proves incompatible with her schedule. Negotiations continue among the FA, Earps, and her team as they work diligently to identify an ideal moment to acknowledge her outstanding contributions to the national side.
From Local Heroine to Global Goalkeeper Icon
Earps spent years as a seasoned player in England’s women’s leagues before securing her spot as a key international player. She earned her place in the Lionesses roster during her time at Reading in 2017, though she entered the 2019 World Cup as a backup option behind Karen Bardsley and Carly Telford, following limited game time in a tough season at Wolfsburg.
A Temporary Setback and Remarkable Comeback
This period saw her temporarily drop from England’s selection pool entirely. However, joining the freshly promoted Manchester United in 2019 and collaborating with esteemed coach Ian Willcock revitalized her career. Fully committed to her skills, Earps achieved unprecedented success and regained her prominence on the global stage.
Achievements Under New Leadership and On-Field Triumphs
When Sarina Wiegman assumed the role in late 2021, she designated Earps as the primary goalkeeper, a choice Earps validated through stellar displays that led to England’s Euro 2022 victory. Her exuberant celebration during the post-final media session captured the hearts of a growing audience for women’s soccer, paving the way for a Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award, a pivotal performance in the 2023 World Cup final where England fell just short, and another FIFA honor.
Off-the-Pitch Influence and Public Battles
Despite retiring with 53 appearances and facing scrutiny over the timing after being replaced by Hannah Hampton, Earps extended her impact beyond the field. In 2023, she openly challenged Nike when her England keeper kit replicas were not initially available for purchase, advocating for fans and players alike.
Shifting Clubs and the Path to Retirement
In mid-2024, Earps departed Manchester United after her contract ended, noting that at over 30, she couldn’t afford to delay for team restructuring if she aimed to claim major trophies regularly. She subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain, but early exit from the Champions League and reduced visibility in English media played a role. The rise of Hampton as a strong alternative and Earps’ dip from her prior peak likely hastened her international exit.
Surprise Nomination Amid Career Winds Down
Fans were taken aback when Earps appeared on the nominees for the 2025 FIFPro World XI, selected by global peers, though some argue it overlooked equally worthy yet less prominent figures such as Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Cata Coll, and Chiamka Nnadozie.
Earps’ Personal Legacy and Upcoming Memoir
The phrase Goalkeeper. Lioness. Legend. graces the front of Earps’ forthcoming book, All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me, scheduled to launch on October 30. This title draws from her heartfelt speech when receiving the Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award in 2022, where ‘unapologetically’ emerged as a core theme. It has since shaped her MAE27 fashion collection and become a hallmark of her personal evolution.
Background on Mary Earps’ Career
Mary Earps has been a pivotal figure in women’s football, particularly as the talented goalkeeper for both Manchester United and the England national team, known as the Lionesses. Over the years, Earps has demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience, and leadership on the pitch, earning her a legion of fans and numerous accolades. For those following women’s sports, keywords like “Mary Earps goalkeeper” and “England women’s football” often come up in discussions about rising stars who have transformed the game.
Earps’ journey began in her early years in England, where she honed her skills through youth academies and club levels before breaking into the professional scene. Her performances in major tournaments, such as the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, highlighted her ability to make crucial saves under pressure. This has made “Mary Earps Lionesses” a popular search term among football enthusiasts seeking inspiration from female athletes.
Key Achievements in Her International Tenure
- World Cup Heroics: Earps played a starring role in England’s run to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, with her penalty saves becoming iconic moments that boosted interest in “women’s international football.”
- Euro 2022 Success: As part of the squad that won the European Championship, she contributed to England’s first major trophy in women’s football, further cementing her status as a key player.
- Individual Honors: She has received awards like the FIFA Best Goalkeeper nomination, which underscores her impact and draws searches related to “Mary Earps awards.”
Her career stats, including clean sheets and match-winning performances, have made her a role model, encouraging more people to explore topics like “female athletes in sports.”
The Retirement Announcement and Its Aftermath
In late 2024, Mary Earps made headlines with her decision to retire from international duty, citing personal reasons and a desire to focus on club football. This announcement surprised many fans, as retirement from the Lionesses often signifies the end of a high-profile era in “England women’s team history.” Earps’ choice was respected across the football community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, coaches, and supporters.
Following her retirement, the Football Association (FA) planned a special tribute at Wembley Stadium, a venue synonymous with major “Lionesses events.” The proposed event was intended to honor her contributions, potentially including a guard of honor or a pre-match ceremony during an upcoming friendly or qualifier match. However, Earps’ response to this offer added an unexpected twist to her story.
Why the Tribute Was Proposed
- Recognition of Legacy: The FA aimed to celebrate Earps’ role in elevating women’s football, using the event to highlight keywords like “Wembley tribute for athletes.”
- Fan Engagement: Such tributes often boost attendance and online interest, with past events drawing searches for “Lionesses Wembley celebrations.”
- Team Morale: It was seen as a way to unite the squad and inspire the next generation of players.
Mary Earps’ Decision to Decline the Offer
Despite the heartfelt gesture, Mary Earps chose to decline the Wembley tribute offer, a move that sparked widespread discussion in the media and among fans. Her decision was announced through a statement emphasizing her preference for a low-key farewell, aligning with her personal values and desire for privacy post-retirement.
Earps explained that while she appreciated the recognition, she wanted to step away without the fanfare, allowing her to transition smoothly into the next phase of her career. This choice resonated with many, as it highlighted the human side of professional athletes dealing with “international retirement in sports.”
Possible Reasons Behind Her Choice
- Personal Privacy: Earps has always been private about her life off the pitch, and declining the event might have been about avoiding the spotlight that often accompanies “high-profile retirements.”
- Mental Health Considerations: In recent years, there’s been growing awareness in women’s sports about the toll of international play, with Earps possibly prioritizing her well-being, a trend searchable under “athlete mental health stories.”
- Focus on Club Career: By saying no, she could concentrate on her role at Manchester United, keeping the focus on ongoing competitions rather than past achievements.
- Setting a Precedent: Her decision might encourage other players to define their own farewells, influencing discussions around “empowerment in women’s football.”
This development has led to debates on social media and sports forums, with keywords like “Mary Earps retirement controversy” trending as fans weigh in on whether such tributes are always beneficial.
Impact on the Lionesses and Women’s Football Community
Earps’ retirement and her handling of the tribute offer have had a ripple effect on the Lionesses and the broader landscape of women’s football. Without her in the lineup, the team is adapting to new dynamics, with emerging goalkeepers stepping up to fill the void. This shift has increased searches for “Lionesses goalkeeper succession” and “future of England women’s team.”
How This Affects Fan Engagement
- Inspiration for New Talent: Earps’ story motivates young players, emphasizing that success in “women’s international sports” comes from authenticity and personal choices.
- Media Coverage Boost: The decline has generated more content around her legacy, enhancing SEO for topics like “Mary Earps Lionesses tribute.”
- Community Conversations: Fans are discussing the importance of respecting athletes’ decisions, which could lead to better support systems in football.
In the evolving world of women’s sports, Earps’ actions serve as a reminder of the need for balance between celebration and individual autonomy, keeping the conversation alive around “female athlete retirements.” This event not only highlights her contributions but also underscores the growth of the sport, with ongoing interest in “England women’s football developments.”
Overall, the incident has added depth to Earps’ narrative, making it a compelling topic for anyone interested in the personal stories behind athletic excellence.
