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'A leader, a legend, a role model' - Alessio Russo and Lionesses stars post touching tributes to Mary Earps after England goalkeeper announces international retirement

UEFA Nations League A

England

Portugal

Earps has stunned the football world by <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/mary-earps-announces-england-retirement-lionesses-star-shock-decision-international-future-less-than-six-weeks-european-championship-title-defence/blte2c1fd195728dddd" target="_blank">announcing her retirement from international duty</a> just weeks before Euro 2025. The PSG stopper reportedly made the decision after being told by manager Sarina Wiegman she would be <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/revealed-mary-earps-meeting-lionesses-boss-sarina-wiegman-led-to-england-star-announcing-shock-international-retirement/blte6e268bdf2b7867e#csc536cec1d0818424" target="_blank">No. 2 for the tournament after falling behind Hannah Hampton in the pecking order</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/mary-earps-retirement-huge-loss-lionesses-reveals-how-dressing-room-reacted-shock-news/blte330efe203f67b8c" target="_blank">The England squad have been left shocked and saddened</a> by the news that Earps is hanging up her England gloves, with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/mary-earps-retirement-huge-loss-lionesses-reveals-how-dressing-room-reacted-shock-news/blte330efe203f67b8c" target="_blank">Jess Carter admitting it's a "huge loss."</a> Alessia Russo has also reacted to the news and posted an emotional message to her team-mate on social media.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

She posted on Instagram: "A legend, a leader, a role model, a best friend and a big sister. I am so proud of the legacy you have left on this team. You're one of a kind and I'm grateful football brought me a best friend for life."<picture><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt5f4f97b88471086e/GOAL%20-%20Multiple%20Images%20-%202%20Split%20-%20Facebook(505).png?format=webp" type="image/webp"><source srcset="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt5f4f97b88471086e/GOAL%20-%20Multiple%20Images%20-%202%20Split%20-%20Facebook(505).png?format=jpg" type="image/jpeg"><img src="https://assets.goal.com/images/v3/blt5f4f97b88471086e/GOAL%20-%20Multiple%20Images%20-%202%20Split%20-%20Facebook(505).png?format=jpg" alt="Alessia Russo Mary Earps" data-source="Getty Images" data-copyright="Getty" data-portal-copyright="Getty" perform:prop="uuid:blt5f4f97b88471086e;width:1920;height:1080"></picture>

WHAT RUSSO SAID

Kelly wasn't the only Lionesses star to pay tribute to Earps as a host of team-mates took to social media after the announcement.Chloe Kelly posted on Instagram: "Wow incredible career, so happy to have shared the pitch with you. Going to miss annoying you. Grateful for the special memories created. Golden girl."Ella Toone added: "Mazza, where to even start, thank you for everything you've done for me. Us. And the whole of football. You're a legend. With the biggest of hearts and I'm glad I get to call you my friend. Cheers to all the memories. Love you!"And Lucy Bronze wrote: "Some journey we've been on together! You've give your all to this team and we love you for it. Changed the game, one penalty save at a time."

TELL ME MORE

England will begin life without Earps on Friday with a Nations League clash against Portugal. The Lionesses then face head to Spain four days later, before starting their Euro 2025 campaign on July 5 against France.

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND

'A leader, a legend, a role model' - Alessio Russo and Lionesses stars post touching tributes to Mary Earps after England goalkeeper announces international retirement | Goal.com

Alessia Russio and a host of Lionesses stars have posted messages to Mary Earps after the goalkeeper announced her international retirement.

&apos;A leader, a legend, a role model&apos; - Alessio Russo and Lionesses stars post touching tributes to Mary Earps after England goalkeeper announces international retirement

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