The England Lionesses have yet another negative experience.
Following her early exit from England’s 2-1 Euro 2025 qualification loss to France on Friday night, Mary Earps was utilizing crutches.
After losing their first European Championship qualification match in nearly 24 years—against Norway in June 2000—England’s Euro 2025 qualifying campaign has taken yet another hit.
An undefeated run of 28 Euro qualification games came to an end with the loss to France. Earps, 31, appeared to be in significant trouble early after kickoff, which put Sarina Wiegman’s team on the back foot.
After receiving a straightforward back pass from her defensive line, the Manchester United goalie winced and hurried to the ground, where medical personnel responded to her. The Lionesses goalkeeper appeared to be in excruciating pain as she received assistance got back up on her feet and tried to play some more.
Five talking topics from England’s devastating loss to France in the Euro 2025 qualification round
Mary Earps suffered heartache as she was pulled off the field in the first minute due to an injury.
But soon after, Hannah Hampton, the Chelsea keeper, was called upon to take Earps’ spot in goal. Earps went down again and was assisted off the field while clearly distraught.
Before Friday night’s game, there was no reason to be concerned about Earps’ health. It appeared that a hip injury happened at some point between kickoff and the time that Earps was forced off the field. Additionally, Earps was seen using crutches as she attempted to comfort teammates after England’s sad 2-1 loss.
On Earps’s injury, the manager of England “I haven’t spoken to her or the doctor,” stated Sarina Wiegman. Naturally, I’m worried. She uses crutches, but she doesn’t leave the field too frequently. I’m not entirely sure, but there are undoubtedly some worries.
The loss to France drops the reigning European champions to third place in the group, four points behind Hervé Renard’s side and below Sweden on goal differential.
Following a devastating injury during her 50th England cap, Mary Earps was seen using crutches.
Following a devastating injury during her 50th England cap, Mary Earps was seen using crutches. (Photo: Getty Images, 2024))
The two heavy hitters in the qualifying group had a poor night, and the Lionesses were far from their best. After 30 minutes, Beth Mead scored the first goal, displaying poise to turn in Lauren Hemp’s cross with a deft, elegant sweep.
However, poor set-piece marking was once again the cause of England’s collapse, as defender Elisa De Almeida produced a stunning volley shortly after Mead’s opening goal when she met Kenza Dali’s corner. Marie-Antoinette Katoto then secured the winner in a second phase of play that followed another corner routine.
The loss of Earps caused serious disruptions to England’s defence, which was never able to find a rhythm to match the intensity of France’s onslaught. Leah Williamson, the captain of England, lamented the performance and the team’s poor set-piece defense, but she insisted that the problem will be resolved before Tuesday’s rematch in France.
Williamson responded, “Set pieces,” when asked what the issue was that night. “All right, second balls. We did a good job, in my opinion. We lost the game because we weren’t good enough. We set pieces and had opportunities to win the game.
She continued: “I just think for us, it’s first contact and second contact should be better and will be better on Tuesday.”
