THE 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup begins tomorrow and we’re rooting for the Lionesses.
But who is the goalkeeper Mary Earps – here is everything you need to know.
Mary Earps was born March 7th 1993 in Nottingham.
She began playing football at the age of eight.
Her brother and Dad were kicking a football around the garden and she wanted to join because “it looked fun”.
She told England Football this was the moment “that was the beginning of a love story”
She also told them that when she was growing up girls didn’t play football in the park or street where she lived.
She started playing football in the garden with her brother and when they were old enough, they played at the park on their own or their Dad would take them.
It was when she was at school that street and park football became a thing meaning she was often getting the bus early to play headers and volleys with the boys.
It also meant Mary’s Mum would be upset with the amount of shoes Mary got through.
Growing up she also participated in badminton, judo, swimming and dancing.
Mary has played for:
Mary made her first senior England debut in 2017.
She was part of Phil Neville’s lionesses squad.
The team finished fourth at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.
In 2021, she was named as the starting goalkeeper in Sarina Wiegman’s first game as England manager.
It was her first Lionesses appearance since November 2019.
England beat North Macedonia 8-0 during the 2023 World Cup qualifying.
Mary was also a part of the England squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
She played every minute of all six games during the campaign during which England won the Euros for the first time.
Mary conceded twice, keeping four clean sheets, the joint-most tied with fellow finalist Merle Frohms of Germany.
Mary was given 198 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme for the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.
In April 2023, Mary saved a penalty in a penalty shootout against Brazil, helping England win the inaugural Women’s Finalissima.
In May 2023, Mary was named to the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
