Mary Earps in tears after collapsing in pain just minutes into England loss to France before being spotted on crutches
MARY EARPS broke down in tears as she left the pitch after collapsing in pain during England Women’s Euro 2025 qualifier against France.
The Manchester United Women’s goalkeeper started in goal for Sarina Wiegman‘s side as they took on Les Blues at St James’ Park.
RexMary Earps was tearful as she suffered an injury within a minute of England’s 2-1 loss against France[/caption]
RexEarps received treatment on the pitch before being forced down to the floor again[/caption]
GettyShe was tearful as she exited the pitch in the eighth minute[/caption]
However, while it was a day for celebration as the recently anointed MBE won her 50th Lionesses cap, it ended in tears after just eight minutes.
In the opening minute of the clash, Earps, 31, felt pain as she controlled a pass back to her feet before moving it out to Millie Bright.
She received treatment on the pitch for a suspected hip flexor issue, which saw Earps then look to carry on with a round of applause as she got to her feet.
But she was forced to hit the deck again in the sixth minute before eventually being substituted for Chelsea No1 Hannah Hampton in the eighth minute.
Earps’ exit prompted applause from the crowd, but it was not enough to stop her from breaking down into tears.
She was later seen walking around on crutches as she spoke to team-mates after the match.
Earps had no prior injury concerns to Friday night’s fixture, and on the injury Weigman said: “I’ve not spoken to her or the doctor. Of course I’m concerned.
“She doesn’t go off the pitch often and she’s on crutches. I really don’t know but of course there are some concerns.”
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
It comes as amid calls for a re-evaluation of the calendar as injuries continue to mount which an unprecedented fixture list.
If England fans were hoping the result would at least make the day redeemable, they were left disappointed.
Beth Mead opened the scoring in the 30th minute, before Élisa De Almeida equalised in the 41st minute.
Hampton had made a heroic save to deny France a second in the first half, but she was unable to keep them out in the second as Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored the eventual winner in the 68th minute.
It was England’s first defeat of the group stage and marked their first Euro’s qualifying defeat since June 2000 against Norway.
The loss leaves them in third in a four-team group containing France, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.
RexEarps was spotted walking on crutches after the game[/caption]
GettyShe consoled team-mates as England suffered it’s first Euro qualifier defeat for 24 years[/caption]
The Lionesses will have a chance at revenge with the reverse fixture on June 4 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.
Failure to make the top two in the group means England would need to qualify via the play-offs, or not be able to defend the title they won in 2022.
Earps will be hoping her injury does not scupper her chances of a potential move away from Women’s FA Cup winners Man Utd, who she has been with since 2019.
In an interview with Sky Sports, she said: “I’ve asked the club for some confirmation on what they’re trying to achieve and when I have those answers I’ll be able to make a decision.
“It’s up to the club.”
She has left her future open with previous interest from Arsenal – who submitted the highest-ever bid for a female goalkeeper to try and get Earps last summer – and on the continent reported.
SUNSPORT’S TRANSFER NEWS LIVE
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun’s transfer experts.
Chelsea have been given permission from Leicester to speak to Enzo Maresca.
Liverpool and Chelsea are eyeing a summer move for Crysencio Summerville.
Premier League clubs are targeting Tosin Adarabioyo, who will be a free agent when his Fulham contract expires next month.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
