Mary Earps: There's Something About England
Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has expressed uncertainty about whether she is ready to return to the spotlight after signing with the London City Lionesses.
Following two years with Paris Saint-Germain, the 33-year-old has come back to the Women's Super League (WSL) and what she described as "the craziness of England" during a BBC interview last year.
Throughout her career, Earps has been subjected to social media abuse, a common experience among high-profile female athletes. Additionally, some critics questioned her receipt of the s Personality of the Year award in 2023.
She also encountered criticism from fans and Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor due to controversial remarks about former England teammate Hannah Hampton and manager Sarina Wiegman, which appeared in her autobiography published in November 2023.
Facing Scrutiny in England
When asked if she felt prepared to handle scrutiny upon her return to England, Earps told :
"I don't know. You know, I think the game can be noisy and that's hard to deal with sometimes. It kind of comes with the territory a bit and how social media has boomed.
But I guess it's one of those things. I'm a believer that you've got to take the good with the bad. We've been working really hard to build the game on socials for so many years. It is hard sometimes.
I don't know is the honest answer to that question but it's also a big compliment about where the game is. You've got to take the rough with the smooth sometimes."
Joining London City Lionesses
Earps has joined an ambitious London City Lionesses side that has undergone significant transformation since American businesswoman Michele Kang acquired the club in December 2023.
Kang's investment has revitalized the club, which finished sixth in their debut WSL season after promotion in 2025.
Regarding Kang, Earps said:
"She's a powerful woman in business and as someone who's got a passion for business, I'm pretty inspired by businesswomen.
We had a [video] conversation. With all the other things that she has going on and all the ventures, I was impressed that she could make any time for me at all.
Her energy is really infectious and I think you've seen it over the years, her investment [in women's sport] has been consistent. It's clear that she has a real passion and energy for women's sport as a whole. We had a really great conversation and I'm really excited to be involved in the club."
International Career and Future Plans
Earps played a key role in England's victory at Euro 2022 and their run to the 2023 World Cup final, where they were defeated by Spain. She retired from international football last year after earning 53 caps.
Having signed a two-year contract with London City, Earps added:
"I'm not ready for the real world yet. I'm ready to make the most of everything that comes my way.
I'm in a bit of a different phase of my career. I don't want to say old, but let's say experienced, a little bit wiser, knowing who I am as a person and what's important to me.
This club and this project feels special to be a part of, in terms of what they're trying to do in women's football and women's sport.
I feel like our values and personalities kind of align in what we want to do. I'm hoping that's going to be really fun every day.
But yeah, [I'm] probably the same old Mary with maybe a little bit more wisdom, personality, passion, energy, just trying to work hard to be the best player and person that I can be every single day and every time I cross the white line."
