'It's not an injury' – Mary Earps' rare Lionesses absence explained as Hannah Hampton starts for England against Ireland

Mary Earps' absence from the Lionesses' starting XI for Tuesday's clash with Ireland has been explained by England boss Sarina Wiegman.

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• Earps among subs for Lionesses versus Ireland
• Hampton wins just fourth senior cap
• England boss Wiegman explains why

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  For just the second time in the past year, Earps is among the substitutes for the Lionesses as Hampton, who started when she was rested in February, has been given the nod instead for the 2025 UEFA Women's Euro qualifier against Ireland.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hampton's excellent form for Chelsea has led to much debate over the goalkeeper position for England, with many feeling that her performances for club have warranted more opportunities for country. Wiegman has clearly been impressed too, explaining that Earps' place on the Lionesses' bench is "not down to an injury."

• WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

  Speaking to ahead of Tuesday's game, Wiegman said: "I think we're in a very luxury position that we have two incredible goalkeepers. As we have seen [with] Mary [on] Friday, she did an incredible job, but I also think that Hannah's doing a great job with Chelsea, she's growing into competition with Mary so this is a moment for her to shine."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Hampton was part of England's European Championship-winning squad in 2022 and the 23 that reached a maiden Women's World Cup final last summer, too. However, her appearance against Ireland will be just her fourth for the Lionesses.