England: Mary Earps made 'best decision for her' says Leah Williamson

England captain Leah Williamson said she hopes Mary Earps' retirement from international football is "the best decision for her".

The Paris St-Germain goalkeeper announced she had played her last game for England on Tuesday, just five weeks before the start of Euro 2025.

The timing of her decision has received criticism but asked if she thought Earps' choice was a selfish one, Williamson said: "I think to arrive at that decision must be one of the hardest things in your career.

"She is a human first and I hope Mary is OK and it's the best decision for her. We will miss her."

Williamson, who celebrated winning the Women's Champions League with Arsenal on Saturday, added: "I spoke to Mary, she's one of my closest friends in football - so I'm devastated, just because I love her, I love being her team-mate.

"I think the way that she wears the England shirt is an example to us all so I'm very sad that those memories are not going to continue in an England shirt.

"But for her, she thinks this is the best thing, and I'll support her in that always."

Manager Sarina Wiegman said she was "really disappointed and sad" about Earps' decision - because she "wanted her in my team".

She would not disclose details on the conversations she shared with Earps or when she first knew of the goalkeeper's intentions to step down.

However, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Wiegman admitted the news came as a "shock" to the players.

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