Mary Earps, the England Lionesses' legendary goalkeeper, has sparked debate about whether she's ready for the cut-throat UK spotlight once again after making a high-profile move to London City Lionesses. The 33-year-old's decision to return to the Women's Super League (WSL) has left fans and pundits alike wondering if she can handle the intense media attention that comes with playing in England's top league.
Earps, who's no stranger to controversy, knows what it takes to be a high-profile athlete in the UK. She faced a backlash after winning the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2023 and also found herself at the centre of a social media storm due to comments made about former England teammate Hannah Hampton and manager Sarina Wiegman in her autobiography, published last November. When asked if she's ready for the noise that comes with playing in the UK, Earps told BBC Sport, "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." She acknowledged the need to take the good with the bad, highlighting her commitment to growing the women's game online.
Earps' decision to join London City was heavily influenced by the club's transformation under American businesswoman Michele Kang, who acquired the club in December 2023. The goalkeeper has nothing but praise for Kang, describing her as a "powerhouse" in business and someone she's inspired by. She highlighted Kang's infectious energy and consistent investment in women's sport as key factors in her decision to join the club, noting a strong alignment of values and personalities with London City's ambitions.
With 53 caps for England under her belt, Earps played a pivotal role in the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final, where they were narrowly defeated by Spain. She retired from international football last year, but now she's back on the pitch with a two-year contract at London City, describing herself as being in a "different phase of my career." She's excited about being part of a "special project" that aims to make a significant impact in women's football and sport.
London City Lionesses, who were promoted in 2025, finished sixth in their debut WSL season. Earps is anticipating her time at the club will be "really fun every day," as she commits to being the best player and person she can be. With a wealth of experience and wisdom under her belt, Earps is ready to take on new challenges with London City, but will she be able to handle the intense spotlight once again? Only time will tell.