England goalkeeper Mary Earps, 32, has announced her shock retirement from international football with immediate effect - despite Euro 2025 being just over a month away.
The decision has left teammates 'stunned', according to Telegraph Sport, while manager Sarina Wiegman said she was 'disappointed'.
Earps, who was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, made the surprise decision after recently losing her starting position to Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
The talented shot-stopper played a crucial role in England's historic Euro 2022 triumph on home soil and helped guide the team to the World Cup final the following year.
Mary Earps played a starring role during England's victorious Euro 2022 campaign
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Her retirement comes after earning 53 caps for her country during an illustrious eight-year international career.
Earps last featured for England in February against Portugal but has since been relegated to the bench for three consecutive fixtures.
Hampton has started those matches and now appears set to be England's first-choice for the upcoming tournament in Switzerland.
England boss Wiegman had previously acknowledged the competition between the two keepers, stating in April that while both were "world class", Hampton was "a little bit ahead" in the race for the starting position.
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England boss Sarina Wiegman previously described Mary Earps as 'world class'
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The decision marks a significant shift in England's goalkeeping hierarchy after Earps had been Wiegman's preferred choice since the Dutch coach took charge in September 2021.
Announcing her retirement, Earps said: "I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally.
"It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players."
"I've spent a long time making this decision and it's not one I've made lightly.
"For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.
"Winning the EUROs in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I'm rooting for the girls to do it again this summer."
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Wiegman expressed disappointment at Earps' decision but respected her choice to step away from international duty.
"I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed," Wiegman said.
"Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept."
Wiegman confirmed that Earps will receive appropriate recognition for her contributions to English football after the summer's competitions.
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Sarina Wiegman said they 'need to accept' Earps' decision
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"We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but for now the focus needs to be on the upcoming UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures and the EUROs."
Earps leaves behind a remarkable legacy in English football, having been named Best FIFA Women's goalkeeper in both 2022 and 2023.
Her departure creates a clear path for Hampton to establish herself as England's number one ahead of the European Championships.
The timing of the announcement gives Wiegman just over five weeks to finalise her goalkeeping plans for the tournament in Switzerland.
Despite the setback, England's squad remains filled with talent as they aim to defend their European crown this summer.
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