Mary Earps: The Unstoppable Force Behind England's Journey to the Women's World Cup Semifinals
Mary Earps: England's No 1 goalkeeper has been instrumental in their Women's World Cup success, securing three clean sheets and allowing only two goals The Lionesses' journey to the semi-finals wouldn't have been possible without the exceptional performances of this Manchester United stopper
Mary Earps' brilliance has been instrumental in getting England to the Women's World Cup semi-final. Anyone who has seen England play in the tournament can attest to her unrivaled performance.
The Lionesses are aware of their subpar performance in this tournament and are actively working to improve. However, when mistakes were made, Earps played a crucial role in keeping England in the game during crucial moments.
It is important to mention that England's revamped defensive trio consisting of Millie Bright, Alex Greenwood, and Jess Carter have also had an impressive tournament thus far. In particular, Greenwood has made the highest number of interceptions (13), completed the most passes (436), and had the most touches of the ball (596) out of all players in the World Cup.
The trio have formed various partnerships at both club and national level, and despite some initial apprehension, they have truly excelled whenever their skills were put to the test.
However, as they would probably admit, to fulfill their defensive roles effectively, they rely heavily on the presence of a trustworthy goalkeeper. Fortunately, in Earps, they have the privilege of playing alongside one of the finest goalkeepers in the world.
The Manchester United goalkeeper has only let in two goals in five games thus far. The first one was from a penalty spot against China and the second was a remarkable strike by Leicy Santos from Colombia in the quarter-finals.
The only small blemish on her tournament was her inability to react quickly enough to prevent the ball from brushing her fingertips. However, it must be acknowledged that stopping a goal of such excellence would have been difficult but potentially avoidable.
Nevertheless, Earps proceeded to demonstrate her skill and significance. In the second half, she made an impressive one-handed save to deny Lorena Bedoya, preventing Colombia from equalizing. Throughout the tournament, she has consistently delivered at least one remarkable moment in each game.
Melchie Dumornay and Roselord Borgella played exceptionally well in the second half against Haiti. Denmark's Katrine Veje delivered a flawless corner kick. Ashleigh Plumptre and Asisat Oshoala demonstrated remarkable skills against Nigeria, leading to Earps being rightfully named Player of the Match. Find more exciting content on our Instagram page.
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A lesser skilled player may not have made such crucial saves during the tournament, especially when they were needed most. Her unwavering performance has been a beacon of hope when the Lionesses have faced difficult situations.
There have been numerous other important saves and deflections that may not have caught the attention of the cameras, but were just as significant. In addition, some luck was involved - both Denmark and Nigeria hit the goal post, with the Super Falcons doing so twice. Earps' quick reflexes, agile maneuvers reminiscent of an acrobat, and her ability to accurately read both the ball's trajectory and the game as a whole are just a few of the qualities that have propelled England into the semi-finals.
Furthermore, it is crucial to acknowledge that being the FIFA Best Women's Goalkeeper is an integral part of her occupation. Accordingly, it is expected that she excels as the most outstanding player in the tournament, preventing any balls from entering the net.
In addition, she achieved a significant feat last season by securing the WSL's Golden Glove. This esteemed accolade was earned through her commendable performance for Manchester United, where she remarkably maintained 14 clean sheets. Furthermore, she has solidified her position as the first goalkeeper in the history of the WSL to achieve 50 clean sheets in the league.
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Mary Earps has showcased her acrobatic prowess in numerous saves throughout the World Cup, playing a pivotal role in propelling England to the semifinals. Notwithstanding the individual recognition she has received, it is ultimately on the field, amidst the crucial moments that lie ahead for England, where her contributions hold utmost significance.
While contributing significantly on the field, Earps also plays a crucial role as the vice-captain and a reassuring presence for her fellow players. She openly celebrates both personal and collective victories and actively guides and motivates her teammates.
Apart from her on-field contributions, Earps brings her vibrant personality to the team, uplifting spirits while they are away from home. We can't overlook the fact that she gained fame for standing on the press conference table in celebration when England won the Euros last summer, which quickly became a viral moment. This behavior is not unexpected from the Lionesses' very own Queen of TikTok.
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Mary Earps is a crucial member of England's leadership team, serving as the vice-captain alongside the interim captain, Millie Bright. She demonstrates exceptional performance in all aspects of her role, except for TikTok analysis, which is best left to those with more expertise in the field.
Despite everything mentioned, it remains bewildering that her goalkeeper jersey is unavailable for purchase. Earps has expressed her distress over the situation, stating that her family, friends, and loved ones are unable to show their support by wearing her shirt.
"It's painful for my own family and friends not to have the option to buy my shirt. I understand it may seem trivial, but on a personal level, it is truly difficult," she shared.
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"I have been trying to go through the correct channels as much as possible, which is why I have not spoken on it publicly.
The rise in participation of goalkeeping has been remarkable. I must be candid and express my disappointment and hurt without any attempt to soften the blow.
A petition has garnered over 37,000 signatures, demanding the public sale of the shirt. To emphasize the absurdity of the decision, Earps' Manchester United goalkeeping jersey was completely sold out last season.
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Mary Earps has suffered two defeats in the tournament, one of them being the impressive goal scored by Leicy Santos for Colombia. Earps later mentioned, "It did amuse me, I must admit. I am aware that it is being examined by the appropriate authorities at different levels, and we will address it after the tournament."
However, this is not the first hurdle Earps has encountered in her career. Her remarkable ascent to the pinnacle of the sport is even more remarkable when considering that just two short years ago, she believed her prospects of being included in another prestigious tournament team were minimal at best.
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She was included in England's 2019 World Cup squad but did not get a chance to play. Earps believed her opportunity had passed until Sarina Wiegman assumed control. In April 2022, Earps shared with The Telegraph, "I had accepted that I might never go to the Euros until I received an email informing me that I would be selected for the September camp. I never imagined this would ever occur."
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Mary Earps was called back to the England squad by Sarina Wiegman and has been the team's first-choice goalkeeper ever since.
"I was truly peaceful when we had that conversation a year ago. Every word I spoke was sincere, and I'm still amazed at how things have changed. I had fully accepted and was content with the past, but I'm incredibly grateful that it turned out differently."
In addition to England being pleased that she didn't retire from international matches, Earps' exceptional performances reflect a broader pattern at the World Cup, where goalkeepers are emerging as the heroes.
Sweden's goalkeeper, Zecira Musovic, delivered an astonishing performance against the USA, resulting in the reigning champions being eliminated in the round of 16. Musovic's exceptional display earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
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Zecira Musovic incredible display for Sweden against the USA saw her awarded Player of the Match
In Jamaica's second group game against Brazil, Becky Spencer also achieved the same recognition when their match ended in a goalless draw. This remarkable feat contributed to the Reggae Girlz's historic advancement to the last 16 for the first time. Earps expressed her admiration for the exceptional goalkeeping exhibited by players in the World Cup.
I hope the goalkeepers are being applauded for their exceptional performances, as they truly deserve much recognition.
With numerous games left to play, I trust that these remarkable displays will persist, ultimately placing our goalkeeping team in a favorable position by the end of the tournament.
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In the near future, though, there is the upcoming challenge of facing co-hosts Australia in the World Cup semi-final. England finds themselves in this position largely thanks to Earps' outstanding performances thus far.
Despite her role as a goalkeeper in the Lionesses' sole loss under Wiegman to the Matildas in April, there is a noteworthy emphasis on form and confidence, qualities that Earps undeniably possesses in abundance. Additionally, credit should be given to Wiegman for reintegrating her into the team, alongside acknowledgment of her coaches at Manchester United for their role in fostering her growth.
But one thing is certain: if England manages to reach their first-ever World Cup final, Earps deserves the praise and thanks she is entitled to. The Lionesses would have had significantly less success in recent years without her contribution. Don't forget to follow the match between Australia and England on the We website and app this Wednesday, with kick-off at 11am.
