Mary Earps' Lionesses status under threat as Sarina Wiegman unleashes England's two rising stars
manchestereveningnews.co.ukWhen the teamsheets were distributed at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Tuesday night, few will have been surprised to see Sarina Wiegman ring the changes for England's clash with the Republic of Ireland.
The Lionesses' EURO 2025 qualifying campaign had got off to a slightly tepid start with a 1-1 stalemate with Sweden just four days prior and the need for a radical shake-up of personnel was glaring.
It was, though, somewhat of a shock to see longstanding No. 1 Mary Earps replaced in the starting lineup by up-and-coming Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.
Earps has been close to an ever-present in this England side for much of Wiegman's tenure. The Manchester United shot-stopper started every game at EURO 2022, helping the Lionesses to clinch their first-ever major trophy, and also starred as they reached the Women's World Cup final last summer. ALSO READ: 'The epitome of a role model' - Man City captain Steph Houghton changed the women's game forever ALSO READ: How Ratcliffe's restructure is shaping up She is - as her two consecutive FIFA trophies attest to - the best in the world in her position, having only been anointed the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year a few short months ago.
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