Mary Earps declines FA farewell tribute at Wembley
Mary Earps has declined the Football Association’s offer of a farewell tribute at Wembley, opting not to take part in a send-off planned to celebrate her England career later this year, reports BritPanorama.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper, who retired from international football just weeks before the Lionesses began their defence of the European Championship title, had been promised a formal recognition of her service to the national team.
The FA had proposed a ceremony during England’s friendly against China at Wembley on November 29 to honour what it described as her “significant contribution to English football.” Despite the offer, Earps and her representatives have informed the FA that she will not be available for the event, citing scheduling conflicts.
Sources close to the discussions have told the Daily Mail that talks are likely to resume after next week’s World Cup qualification draw, leaving open the possibility that a tribute could still take place at a later date. The absence of a farewell has drawn attention given Earps’ status as one of the country’s most influential and popular footballers.
The Nottingham-born goalkeeper earned 53 caps and played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2022 triumph, becoming a symbol of the Lionesses’ rise under manager Sarina Wiegman. Earps’ departure marked the end of an era for England’s goalkeeping ranks.
Renowned for her leadership, composure, and outspoken advocacy for equality within the sport, she became one of the defining figures of England’s golden generation. Her refusal to accept an immediate public farewell has sparked speculation that her reasons for stepping away may be more complex than initially believed.
Further insight is expected to emerge with the publication of her forthcoming autobiography All In, due for release next Thursday. The book is anticipated to reveal the personal and professional challenges that shaped both her career and her decision to leave the international stage so abruptly.
The FA had initially promised a “full tribute” to mark her achievements, but with two international windows already passed without ceremony, supporters have begun to question whether the farewell will happen at all. Wembley had been viewed as the ideal venue for the occasion, particularly given Earps’ popularity among fans and her central role in the Lionesses’ transformation into European champions.
While her decision has disappointed some within the game, it is believed that relations between Earps and the FA remain respectful. Both sides are keen to find a fitting moment to celebrate her contribution, though it now seems unlikely to occur before the end of the year. Earps currently plays her club football for Paris Saint-Germain, having joined the club in 2024 after leaving Manchester United. She has won titles such as the Frauen-Bundesliga, Women’s FA Cup and Women’s Euros during her career.
As Earps continues her journey in club football, the questions around her international farewell linger, prompting reflections on how sport interlaces with individual narratives and the legacies they leave behind.
