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MARY EARPS has reportedly declined a tribute invitation from the FA to honor her England career following her unexpected retirement this summer.
The goalkeeper, 32, stepped away from the Lionesses in May, just 36 days before the Euros, stating that she wanted to create opportunities for the next generation.
Mary Earps has reportedly declined a tribute invitation from the FACredit: AP
This decision left the manager “disappointed” as she played a crucial role in their Euro 2022 victory.
Earps has since been appointed as 's No. 1 goalkeeper and was pivotal as the Three Lions defended their title this summer.
England still hoped to provide a farewell with a “full tribute” to celebrate her “international career and significant contributions to English football.”
Since the offer was made, England has played two friendly matches against Brazil and Australia, yet no tribute has been conducted.
According to the Daily Mail , Earps was offered another opportunity for the tribute prior to England’s next friendly against China on November 29.
The report indicates she has declined that invitation, although discussions are expected to resume following the World Cup qualification draw.
Earps, who now plays for PSG, plans to reveal details about her retirement from international duty in her upcoming book, All In.
A source close to the player remarked about the book: “Mary’s book is extraordinary. Raw, fearless, and full of heart.
“She’s completely honest about the pressures of life at the top, her decision to step back from the national team, and how she rediscovered her voice.
“There are several revelations that have remained unknown until now. The highs and the lows, as well as the dressing room dramas!”
When she announced her retirement, she shared a cryptic message on Instagram stating: “My journey has never been the simplest, and so in true Mary fashion, this isn’t a simple goodbye – right before a major tournament.
“Nonetheless, I know this is the right decision. And while this may not make sense to some readers, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I believed it was absolutely the right thing to do, despite the pain it brings.”
Last month, fans observed an awkward moment when Earps presented an award for best goalkeeper.
A photo shows Earps gazing at Hampton with her head tilted during her acceptance speech – prompting fans to comment that she “didn’t look impressed.”
Fans noticed an awkward moment last month when Earps presented Hannah Hampton with her Ballon d’Or awardCredit: Getty
Some labeled the moment “absolutely generational,” while one described it as a “hilariously poetic photo,” and another added: “She is RAGING.”
Earps’ decision to retire resulted in abuse from fans, which the player herself described as “painful.”
She stated: “It was difficult and painful. Some people were amazing, and the girls had my back. That meant the world to me.
“I think I was villainized in a way that was tough to see and read about, but it’s more about what my friends and family experienced.
“I feel upset for them because I’m like: ‘You didn’t choose this. You’ve got to deal with this now.’ That’s hard. But ultimately, I believe it was the right decision.”
