MARY EARPS
The United goalkeeper is famend for her commanding presence and infectious character, and grasped the chance when it introduced herself to indicate the nation her high quality – one thing that United followers had been already nicely conscious of.
Earps was a part of the England squad that completed fourth on the 2019 World Cup, the place she was third selection behind Karen Bardsley and Carly Telford. After considering her England possibilities had been over after that event, Earps’ type for the Reds modified her fortunes.
Incoming supervisor Wiegman named our no.27 in her first England squad at the beginning of the 2021/22 marketing campaign, and Earps hasn’t appeared again since. Heading into this 12 months’s Euros, Earps’ type and an damage to Manchester Metropolis’s no.1 Ellie Roebuck noticed the Reds’ ‘keeper set up her place as Wiegman’s starter.
All through this summer time’s event, the 29-year-old’s performances have solely strengthened her grip on the no.1 spot. Usually heard barking out orders to her defence, Earps additionally demonstrated her cat-like reflexes and composure because the Lionesses marched on to Euros glory and he or she conceded simply twice all through the competitors.
Particularly, Earps’ efficiency in opposition to Sweden was pivotal to the Lionesses reaching Sunday’s ultimate. She denied proficient Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius twice and was a wall in entrance of the England purpose.
The identical may very well be mentioned for the ultimate in opposition to Germany. Regardless of conceding the equaliser within the second half, Earps was as soon as once more composed and resolute, laying robust foundations from which the Lionesses went on to make historical past.
And her celebrations at full-time had been typical of what we’ve come to count on from our ‘keeper: stuffed with power and jubilance.
