Mary Earps, the celebrated goalkeeper for the Lionesses, is poised for an emotional farewell at Wembley on April 14, 2026, as she steps away from international duty just six weeks before Euro 2025. With a potential attendance of 75,000 fans expected for the match against Spain, the atmosphere is set to be electric as supporters gather to honor her remarkable career.
Earps has been instrumental in England’s recent successes, playing a key role in their Euro 2022 triumph and their impressive run to the 2023 World Cup final. However, her journey has not been without controversy. In her autobiography, “All In,” she criticized head coach Sarina Wiegman for reinstating Hannah Hampton to the squad, a move that sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Despite the friction, Wiegman expressed her hopes for a warm reception for Earps at Wembley, stating, “She deserves a great farewell. I hope we celebrate her and it will be a nice moment.” The sentiment reflects the deep respect Earps has earned throughout her career, even as she navigates the fallout from her candid reflections in her book.
In her autobiography, Earps described Wiegman’s handling of the goalkeeping selection process as “bullshit,” a comment that has drawn both support and criticism. Reflecting on her experiences, Earps remarked, “That was kind of my first rodeo with ‘cancel culture’, and 0 out of 10 – would not recommend to other people.” This candidness has resonated with many, highlighting the challenges athletes face in the public eye.
In addition to her on-field achievements, Earps has made significant contributions off the pitch. She recently launched KeepHers, a program offering free goalkeeping sessions to young female footballers aged six to 18 in Manchester. This initiative underscores her commitment to leaving the game in a better place, as she stated, “I want to leave the game in a better place than where I found it.”
As her contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, the future remains uncertain for Earps. This season, she has conceded 18 goals from an expected goals on target (xGOT) of 13.20, statistics that reflect the challenges she faced in her role. Her return to Manchester United in the Women’s Champions League was met with a mixed reception, receiving both cheers and boos from the crowd at Old Trafford.
With 33 players attending the goalkeeping session on the Mary Earps Pitch and 20 others participating in pick-up games nearby, her influence continues to grow. Yet, the exact nature of the reception she will receive at Wembley remains unclear. Observers are eager to see how fans will honor her legacy as she bids farewell to international football.
As Earps prepares for this pivotal moment in her career, the football community reflects on her contributions and the impact she has made on the sport. With her retirement from international duty, a new chapter awaits, but her legacy as one of the world’s best goalkeepers is firmly established.
