Carly Telford knows what it is like to go to a tournament as second choice, having done so for the 2019 World Cup, and the 27-cap Lioness has given her opinion on Mary Earps’ decision to retire from international football

Carly Telford believes Mary Earps’ retirement represents a ‘huge loss’ to the England squad on the eve of the European Championships but insists she retains ‘huge respect’ for her fellow goalkeeper.

Earps stunned the footballing world by announcing her decision last week after reportedly being told by Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman that she would not be first choice for the defence of England’s European crown. Telford, who boasts 27 caps for England between the sticks, believes the squad’s remaining goalkeepers will suffer for the loss of Earps’ experience in Switzerland.

“For me, it’s a huge loss in terms of the GK union,” she said. “It’s always super important to have some experience in there. You’d be shocked when any player that plays well retires and probably think it’s too early, or it’s an age where they shouldn’t, but there’s never an age that you should or shouldn’t retire.

“From a player perspective, everyone’s journey should be in their control, and I have a…