Sarina Wiegman Urges Support for Mary Earps in Lionesses Comeback

England manager Sarina Wiegman has called for a warm farewell for Mary Earps. The on-pitch presentation will take place before the World Cup qualifier against Spain at Wembley on Tuesday.

Earps announced her international retirement last year ahead of Euro 2025. She had been central to England’s Euro 2022 victory and the run to the 2023 World Cup final, where she was widely recognised as the world’s best goalkeeper.

Autobiography fallout and club return

Earps lost her England place to Hannah Hampton before last year’s Euros. She later criticised Wiegman’s decision in her autobiography All In, published in November.

Since the book’s release, the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper has appeared once in England. That match was a return to former club Manchester United in the Women’s Champions League, and the reception combined boos with cheers.

Reconciliation and public remarks

Earps has said she regrets the way the book’s release unfolded. She told Filmogaz.com she had a positive conversation with Wiegman in February and accepted responsibility for the fallout.

Wiegman said she has moved on from the episode. She praised Earps as an inspiration to young goalkeepers and said the player deserves a fitting send-off.

Sarina Wiegman urged support for Mary Earps and encouraged fans to celebrate the goalkeeper’s contributions during the Lionesses comeback presentation.

FA farewells and England team news

The Football Association has been arranging farewells for several recent retirees. Fran Kirby received a send-off before the friendly with China in November, and Steph Houghton was honoured before the friendly with Germany in October 2024.

Wiegman also provided squad updates. Captain Leah Williamson is a doubt for the Spain match. Keira Walsh could win her 100th cap if she starts against the world champions in this Euro 2025 final rematch.