Mary Earps Steps Away From Social Media After Shock England Retirement Sparks Backlash

Former Lioness goalkeeper reflects on ‘difficult & emotional few days’ as Euro 2025 defence looms

When Mary Earps announced her shock retirement from international football just months before England begin their defence of the European Championship title, few could have predicted the storm that would follow. Widely regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers—and a national icon after her heroics at the 2022 Euros and 2023 World Cup—the news has left fans stunned and the women’s football world searching for answers.

Now, after facing heavy scrutiny and an outpouring of both criticism and support, the 31-year-old has revealed she’s stepping away from social media, citing the emotional toll of recent days.

A heartfelt message before going offline

Taking to Instagram one final time before logging off, Earps offered a short but sincere message to her followers. “It’s been a difficult and emotional few days,” she wrote. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate every single message of support. I’m coming off socials for a bit.”

She added that while she’s taking time away from the online world, some pre-scheduled posts will still appear on her accounts, managed by her team for contractual purposes.

Though brief, the message was enough to signal that Earps has been deeply affected by the public reaction to her decision—a reminder that even the strongest figures in sport aren’t immune to the pressures of public life.

A decision born from disappointment?

As Earps now steps back from the spotligh

While the official statement regarding Earps’ international retirement was respectful and reserved, reports have since suggested that the decision came after a particularly difficult conversation with England manager Sarina Wiegman.

Sources claim Earps was informed during a one-on-one meeting that she would not be England’s No.1 heading into the 2025 European Championships. That role, it appears, has been earmarked for the fast-rising Hannah Hampton, who has put in a string of impressive performances over the past year.

Faced with the prospect of watching from the bench during what could be her final major tournament, Earps reportedly decided to walk away from the international stage altogether.

Backlash and support in equal measure

Unsurprisingly, Earps’ decision has divided opinion. Many fans and pundits have praised her for her honesty and bravery, especially given how much she’s contributed to the Lionesses’ rise in recent years.

Others, however, have questioned the timing of her retirement and accused her of walking away from the team when they need her most. Some critics have gone as far as to suggest that Earps’ exit is a reaction to not being guaranteed the starting spot, rather than a carefully considered decision about her career.

That tension has played out loudly on social media, with Earps herself at the centre of the storm. For a player who has long been a symbol of resilience—famously fighting her way back into the England setup after years of being overlooked—the backlash clearly stung.

A Lioness legacy that endures

Regardless of how her England story ends, Mary Earps’ impact on the Lionesses cannot be overstated. She was a pivotal part of the squad that lifted the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley and earned global plaudits for her performances at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where her penalty save in the final helped keep England in contention against Spain.

Off the pitch, she’s become a role model and household name. Her vocal campaigning for equal treatment—including a now-famous public push for Nike to make her goalkeeper shirt available to fans—helped change perceptions of the women’s game and inspired thousands.

Earps was not just a player; she was a voice, a leader, and a figurehead during one of the most successful and transformative periods in English women’s football history.

What now for England?

The Lionesses, meanwhile, must move forward. And if their recent performance is anything to go by, they’re doing so with confidence. A commanding 6-0 victory over Portugal in the UEFA Nations League last Friday showed the depth and quality in Wiegman’s squad. Chelsea youngster Aggie Beever-Jones stole the headlines with a stunning first-half hat-trick, further evidence of the emerging talent coming through the ranks.

Next up is a massive clash against reigning world champions Spain at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. The winner of that game will take a huge step towards Nations League glory and gain further momentum heading into this summer’s Euros.

Whether England are better or worse off without Earps is something that will be debated for months to come. But one thing is certain—Sarina Wiegman now has a major task on her hands. Beyond finding a new No.1, the manager must also fill the leadership void left by Earps‘ absence, both on and off the pitch.

The personal cost of professional decisions

Mary Earps’ choice to walk away from the England squad, and then from social media, is a reminder of the emotional weight athletes carry—especially in an era where every decision is dissected, debated, and often criticised in real time.

There will be those who don’t agree with how she’s handled things. But there’s also an argument that she deserves the space to make decisions on her own terms—especially after giving so much to the national team over the past five years.

As Earps now steps back from the spotlight, the football world will move on, as it always does. But her legacy with the Lionesses remains. Whether or not we see her pull on the England shirt again, her contribution to the game—and the conversations she’s helped spark—won’t be forgotten.