July 17th 2023.
Mary Earps is making history in the women’s football world. The Manchester United and England No.1 goalkeeper was recently named FIFA Best Goalkeeper of 2022, and she’s determined to use her success to inspire the next generation of girls.
Just two years ago, Earps was in the international wilderness, out of favour with the national team. But then Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegerman appointed her as first choice in 2021, and she hasn’t looked back since. Earps was instrumental in England’s success at the European Championship last year, conceding just two goals and keeping four clean sheets as they won the trophy on home soil.
Now, she’s hoping to be a beacon of light for other aspiring footballers. “I would love to be a beacon of light, I would love for people to look at me that way,” she told Metro. “You don’t know where you will end up but it could be somewhere really great and it can be if you work hard.”
Earps knows all too well how it feels to be in a tough spot, and she’s been there for her teammates Nikita Parris and Maya Le Tissier, who were left out of the squad. “It’s a sensitive topic,” she said. “I’ve been in a position where I’ve not made squads and I wouldn’t say I’m the perfect team-mate, but I did reach out to Keets and Maya. I just told them, ‘I’m there if you need me’.”
She advises aspiring footballers to take the pressure off and focus on the little things that make them happy. “Trying to be the best keeper in the world is not reality at that moment – you’re not being picked. But there are no flowers without rain and that’s what I realised.”
Going into the World Cup, Earps is firmly established as a global superstar, but she believes there are several sides who could win the trophy. “There are a number of teams in that conversation and that’s where women’s football is at now,” she said. “Spain, Germany, France, the USA of course, Australia as hosts – lots of teams who could go all the way. The competition will be tough but we’re really looking forward to it.”
Her former club-mate Alessia Russo will join her in Australia and New Zealand for the World Cup, and Earps is determined to support her friend wherever she goes. “I want to support her as best I can as her friend but her career is totally her business and nobody knows what’s going on in someone’s life or career really. I will try to support her wherever she is and we will always be friends.”
Mary Earps is working with McDonald’s to promote football for young girls, and she hopes her success will encourage the next generation to get involved. She’s living proof that hard work pays off, and her story is a reminder that even in the toughest of times, things can get better.
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