Mary Earps forced out of England squad after hip injury

Goalkeeper Mary Earps has withdrawn from England’s squad to face France on Tuesday with a minor hip injury.

Earps sustained the problem during Friday’s Euro 2025 qualifying defeat to Les Bleues.

The 31-year-old was forced off at St James’ Park just seven minutes into her 50th Lionesses appearance and left the stadium on crutches.

Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton, her replacement in Newcastle, is set to start in the return fixture in Saint-Etienne.

Birmingham’s Lucy Thomas, who had been on standby, has been drafted into the 23-player squad.

A first European qualifying defeat since 2002 has left England third in League A Group 3 but they need to finish in the top two to automatically qualify for their title defence at next summer’s tournament in Switzerland.