Mary Earps, the celebrated goalkeeper for the Lionesses, is set to receive a heartfelt farewell tribute at Wembley on April 14, 2026, as she retires from international duty just six weeks before Euro 2025. Earps has been instrumental in England’s recent successes, including their triumph at Euro 2022 and a remarkable run to the 2023 World Cup final.
In her autobiography, “All In,” Earps expressed her disappointment with head coach Sarina Wiegman’s decision to reinstate Hannah Hampton to the squad, a move that sparked controversy. Despite the criticism, Wiegman hopes that the crowd at Wembley, which could reach up to 75,000, will give Earps a warm reception, celebrating her significant contributions to the team.
Earps has played only once for England since her autobiography’s release, returning to her former club Manchester United in the Women’s Champions League. During that match, she faced a mixed reception from the crowd, receiving both cheers and boos, highlighting the divided opinions surrounding her recent comments about the team’s dynamics.
Reflecting on her experiences, Earps admitted to learning tough lessons from the fallout of her autobiography, stating, “That was kind of my first rodeo with ‘cancel culture’, and 0 out of 10 – would not recommend to other people.” She emphasized her desire to leave the game in a better place, launching the “KeepHers” program to provide free goalkeeping sessions for young female footballers in Manchester.
This season, Earps has faced challenges on the pitch, conceding 18 goals against an expected goals on target (xGOT) of 13.20. Her contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire this summer, adding uncertainty to her future in club football.
Wiegman acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding 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 sentiment reflects the respect and admiration many have for Earps, despite the controversies that have arisen in recent months.
As the date of the tribute approaches, the exact nature of the reception Earps will receive at Wembley remains unclear. However, her legacy as a key player for the Lionesses is undeniable, and her farewell is expected to be a moment of reflection and celebration for her career.