Sarina Wiegman makes plea over Mary Earps retirement to England fans amid Lioness controversy

Ed Griffiths
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:32:03 +0000

Mary Earps will receive a farewell celebration at Wembley this evening ahead of England's crucial World Cup qualifying fixture against Spain.

The Lionesses' manager, Sarina Wiegman, has urged supporters to honour the retiring goalkeeper despite recent controversy surrounding her autobiography.

Wiegman expressed her hope that fans would focus on Earps' contributions to English football rather than dwelling on past disagreements.

The Dutch coach said: "Let's cherish the moments we had together. Mary had a great career and for us was the world's best. She played important games and now she has moved on. Let's all celebrate her."

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The Paris St-Germain shot-stopper was instrumental in England's historic European Championship victory in 2022 and their subsequent journey to the World Cup final the following year.

However, Earps announced her retirement from international football just weeks before Euro 2025 commenced, having lost her place between the posts to Hannah Hampton.

The 32-year-old's departure from the national team set-up came after Wiegman opted to install Hampton as her first-choice goalkeeper, a decision that Earps openly criticised in her autobiography published last November.

The book sparked significant debate among supporters and within the footballing community.

Since the book's release, Earps has made just one appearance on English soil, returning to face her former club Manchester United in the Champions League.

That evening produced a divided response from spectators, with sections of the crowd jeering while others offered their support.

When asked what she would say to any supporters considering booing the goalkeeper tonight, Wiegman acknowledged the range of opinions her book had generated.

She said: "What happened, some people have been disappointed, some people say it's really inspirational, everyone will have an opinion."

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The pair have since spoken and their relationship is understood to have improved.

Earps herself has acknowledged that the criticism she faced resulted from her own choices.

Earps has demonstrated her commitment to grassroots football by funding transport and match tickets for 30 individuals from Calverton Miners Welfare FC to attend this evening's fixture.

The club is situated in Nottingham, close to where the goalkeeper spent her formative years.

Wiegman praised Earps' lasting impact on the women's game ahead of the on-pitch presentation.

The manager said: "It shows what she has done for the game, what she has done for England.

"She is an inspiration for so many people, particularly young goalkeepers.

"She deserves a great farewell. I hope we celebrate her and it will be a nice moment."