Williamson 'devastated' by Earps' England exit but coach stays cagey

Wiegman would not be drawn on the goalkeeper's retirement before Euro 2025

- Tom Garry

Leah Williamson says she is "devastated" by Mary Earps' immediate retirement from international football while the England head coach, Sarina Wiegman, described the news as emotional but refused to be drawn on what conversations she had with the goalkeeper before the decision was made.

The Euro 2022 winner shocked women's football on Tuesday with her announcement and reports on the reasons behind her decision have differed; some have accused Earps of quitting after allegedly being told she had been dropped while the Guardian understands Earps had weighed up the move for more than a year.

"Of course, I had a couple of conversations which I don't want to share here because that's between us," Wiegman said. "I find it [this news] hard and it's hard for her at the same time. She has done such a great job for England. We've had an incredible journey. I really cherish that.

"It's emotional because we've had such a massive journey together with lots of highs and of course some lows too. But we have to move on and we don't have time now to celebrate because we have a game tomorrow."