The England goalkeeper has called time on her Lionesses career with immediate effect, just 36 days before the national team begins the defense of their European crown in Switzerland.

In a statement released by the FA, Earps said: "I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.

"I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly. For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive. Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer."

Earps has won 53 England caps and was in goal as the Lionesses won Euro 2022 on home soil before helping the team reach the World Cup final the following year - where she saved a penalty in her team's 1-0 loss to Spain - although she has lost her place in the team to Chelsea keeper Hannah Hampton in the lead-up to the tournament.

The PSG player added on Instagram: "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.

"There are so many dimensions to this decision, the details of which aren’t important right now, but what it boils down to is: it’s now the right moment for me to step aside. This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer.

"In the end all you have is all you are – your character. And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts."