By Simon Wilkes
England captain Leah Williamson admits she is “devastated” that goalkeeper Mary Earps will not be playing alongside her when the Lionesses defend their European crown this summer.
Earps played a starring role as England women won the European Championship in 2022, beating old foes Germany in the final at Wembley.
She won 53 caps over the course of a glittering career between the sticks for Sarina Wiegman’s team but announced earlier this week that she was retiring from international football with immediate effect.
Facing competition
Earps was no longer guaranteed a starting role amid fierce competition for her place from Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton and has decided to hang up her gloves.
Skipper Williamson admits she is heartbroken by Earps’ decision, telling Sky Sports: “I’m devastated because I love her.
“I’m very sad that those memories aren’t going to continue in an England shirt.
“If she thinks this is best for her, I’ll support her always.”
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Mind the gap
“I know Mary – I know playing for her country meant everything to her,” Williamson continued.
“I care for Mary as a human first. To lose her leaves a gap there but we’ve had that before. Players have to step up.
“There are days and months of preparation that go into the team and now there’s some big shoes to fill.
“I won the Champions League on Saturday and I was here three days later. Football doesn’t wait – it keeps moving.
“I can’t wait to see Mary’s highlights reel because that’s going to be great but for now we have a job to do.”
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New number one
Wiegman also admits that the loss of Earps’ experience in the squad will make an impact as England defend their title in Switzerland.
Khiara Keating and Anna Moorhouse will provide back-up for new number one Hampton, with all three players named in Wiegman’s 26-player squad for games with Portugal and Spain.
Wiegman said of 32-year-old Earps’ announcement: “I’m really disappointed – I want her in my team.
“She has done such a great job for England; we’ve had an incredible journey. I really cherish that – that’s where the disappointment comes from.
“It’s emotional, because we have a relationship and we’ve had lots of highs, some lows too. It makes it hard. I’m sad.”
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