England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been forced to withdraw from the squad for Tuesday’s Euro 2025 qualifier against France due to a hip injury. The 31-year-old was replaced just seven minutes into her 50th appearance for the Lionesses during Friday’s 2-1 loss to France. As a result, Manchester United’s Earps had to leave the stadium on crutches, casting doubt over her availability for future games.
The injury has been described as “minor” by England, but it is still a blow for the team as they aim to defend their European crown. In Earps’ absence, Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton has been called up as her replacement. Hampton will now compete with Ellie Roebuck for the starting spot in goal against France.
The loss to France was England’s first defeat in European qualifying since 2002, ending a remarkable unbeaten run. Despite the setback, England currently sit in third place in League A Group 3 with four points. They have won one, drawn one, and lost one of their opening three fixtures. To secure automatic qualification for Euro 2025, England will need to finish in the top two positions in their group.
After the match against France, England will face the Republic of Ireland before traveling to Sweden for their final group fixture in July. This upcoming game against France is crucial for England’s chances of qualifying, and they will be hoping for a positive result.
The withdrawal of Mary Earps highlights the importance of having a strong and reliable goalkeeper in the squad. Injuries can disrupt a team’s rhythm and force them to make last-minute changes to their lineup. It also emphasizes the need for depth in the squad, as Hampton now has an opportunity to prove herself as a capable replacement.
In women’s football, injuries are unfortunately common due to the physical nature of the sport. Players put their bodies on the line every time they step onto the field, and sometimes injuries are inevitable. The key is how teams adapt and respond to these setbacks. England will need to rally together and show resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, the withdrawal of Mary Earps is a setback for the England Women’s Football Team, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. Hannah Hampton now has a chance to showcase her skills and contribute to the team’s success. It will be interesting to see how England fare without their experienced goalkeeper and whether they can secure a positive result against France.