England manager Sarina Wiegman is optimistic that goalkeeper Mary Earps will receive the retirement send-off she "deserves" during a celebration at Wembley ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Spain on Tuesday, April 16, 2026.
Why it matters: This match marks a poignant moment for Earps, who played a key role in England's triumph at Euro 2022 and their run to the 2023 World Cup final before retiring from international duty ahead of Euro 2025.
Earps was recognized as the world's best goalkeeper following her outstanding performances during these tournaments.
The upcoming match against Spain serves as a rematch of the Euro 2025 final, elevating its significance in the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Wiegman hopes the crowd will celebrate Earps’ contributions to women’s football rather than focus on past controversies.
Driving the news: Earps announced her retirement last year after losing her starting position to Hannah Hampton before the Euros, a decision that led to criticism in her autobiography, "All In," released in November.
In the book, Earps expressed her disappointment with Wiegman's decision to reinstate Hampton, igniting a mixed reaction from fans and critics alike.
Earps has played just once in England since the book's release, during a Women’s Champions League match for Paris Saint-Germain against her former club Manchester United, where she faced both cheers and boos from the crowd.
Wiegman acknowledged the mixed feelings surrounding Earps' return, stating, "What happened, some people have been disappointed, some people say it’s really inspirational, everyone will have an opinion."
State of play: The match against Spain is set against the backdrop of England leading their qualifying group on goal difference, making it a must-win for both teams.
England captain Leah Williamson is a doubt for the match due to a hamstring injury sustained in March, with Wiegman monitoring her recovery closely.
Keira Walsh could earn her 100th cap if she starts against Spain, adding another layer of significance to the match.
Spain, coached by Sonia Bermúdez, remains unbeaten since the Euros and won the Nations League title, posing a formidable challenge for the Lionesses.
The big picture: Earps’ farewell is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the broader changes in women's football, particularly in goalkeeping.
Earps has made it her mission to increase the visibility and accessibility of women’s goalkeeping, conducting clinics and advocating for young players.
She has expressed a desire to leave the game in a more favorable state for future generations, emphasizing the importance of early training for young girls.
Her initiatives, such as the KeepHers program, aim to provide free goalkeeping sessions for girls aged 6 to 18, highlighting her commitment to the sport.
What they're saying: Wiegman has expressed her admiration for Earps, stating, "It shows what she has done for the game, what she has done for England. She is an inspiration for so many people, particularly young goalkeepers. She deserves a great farewell. I hope we celebrate her and it will be a nice moment."
Earps herself has acknowledged the lessons learned from the backlash following her autobiography, indicating a desire to move forward positively.
In a recent interview, she said, "I take full responsibility for the book and the things that happened around the book. There were some tough lessons learned. I’m human. I’m not perfect, I’m still learning. I’m still growing as a person."
By the numbers: The match against Spain is expected to draw a large crowd, and Earps has made arrangements for 30 attendees from Calverton Miners Welfare FC, a grassroots club she supports, to witness her farewell.
Earps visited the club earlier this year, noting the strong interest in goalkeeping among young players, which reflects her efforts to inspire the next generation.
England has previously honored players like Fran Kirby and Steph Houghton after their retirements, setting a precedent for Earps’ send-off.
What's next: As the match approaches, the Wembley crowd and their reception of Earps, as well as the performance of the Lionesses.
England will need to secure a victory against Spain to bolster their chances of automatic qualification for the World Cup.
With key players like Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and Lauren Hemp in the lineup, England aims to showcase their strength against a tough opponent.
The outcome of this match could significantly impact the future of both teams in the World Cup qualifying process.
As anticipation builds for this historic occasion, the focus remains on celebrating Mary Earps’ remarkable contributions to women's football, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations of players.