Mary Earps has always been a leader, whether she’s pulling the strings for England between the posts or speaking out on the challenges facing women’s football. This summer she once again led the way, becoming the first player to sign for the London City Lionesses as they assembled a squad brimming with international talent. After two seasons in France with Paris Saint‑Germain, where she described the experience as "a very different environment," the England goalkeeper is returning to the Women’s Super League. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports ahead of the league’s kick‑off on 4 September, when London City will meet her former club Manchester United, Earps reflected on her time abroad and what she hopes to bring to her new team.
"I really feel like I was able to go away and work on myself for a couple of years," she said. "There were aspects of my game that I could finally focus on and improve." She went on to explain how living away from home, learning a new language and adapting to a different culture forced her to look inward. "Immersing yourself in a new city, a new country, it teaches you a lot about who you are and who you want to become," Earps added. "It gives you space to reflect and figure out more about yourself as a person." Earps is no stranger to bold moves.
Before joining Manchester United she spent a season with German powerhouse Wolfsburg, and that overseas experience now gives her a unique empathy for teammates who are also making big transitions. "There are players moving clubs for the first time, players moving countries, learning new languages – I know how hard that can be," she explained.
"Even coming back to England and speaking English can feel like a transition when you’ve been away for a while." The Lionesses’ recruitment drive has produced a roster that reads like a who’s‑who of the women’s game. The headline signing is Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who left Barcelona for Bromley, followed by her Barcelona teammate Mapi Leon and French star Kadidiatou Diani. Already in the squad are established internationals such as Kosovare Asllani, Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. The depth of talent means that even the most celebrated players will feel the pressure of being newcomers in a brand‑new project.
"I feel very much part of the newness of it all, and it's nice when other people are experiencing that for the first time as well," Earps said. "Even the players who have been here a year or so are still learning the culture." She likened the atmosphere to a first day of school. "Everyone is nervous because everyone is doing the same thing," she smiled. "But there’s also a lot of experience in the room – many of the players have won trophies and have incredible pedigrees.
That shared history bonds us, whether we’ve faced each other on the pitch before or played together at international level." Earps praised the warm welcome she has already received. "I honestly can’t speak highly enough of the group I’ve met so far – they’ve been brilliant at making me feel at home," she said. The competition for the No 1 shirt will be fierce. Last season’s first‑choice keeper Elene Lete, who signed a new contract over the summer, will be battling alongside Sophia Poor and Sophie Hillyerd.
It remains to be seen who will start, but Earps’ reputation as a former WSL Golden Glove winner suggests she will be in the mix from day one. London City will also need to tighten up defensively.
The team conceded 35 goals last season – not the worst tally, but considerably more than the league’s top two sides, Manchester City and Arsenal, which together let in just 33. Chelsea, the benchmark for defensive solidity, kept only 20 goals against. If the Lionesses aspire to challenge the established “Big Three,” they must drastically cut down the number of goals they concede.
When asked how she plans to help the back line become more resolute, Earps emphasized the importance of understanding each individual’s habits. "Full‑backs and centre‑backs are very different roles," she explained. "You have to learn their preferred positions, how they like to make recovery runs, whether they step into the box or stay back, and how they want the ball played to them – in front, at their feet, or with a quick pass." She added that the relationship works both ways.
"They need to understand my style, where I like to be, and what kind of goalkeeper I am. It’s a lot of small details that make a big difference on the pitch," Earps said.
"I often grab a conversation at lunch or between training reps and we bounce ideas off each other all the time." The Lionesses’ first real test will come on 4 September at Hayes Lane when they host Manchester United. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and both sides have undergone significant changes over the summer. United have seen key departures and a new head coach, former Hearts boss Eva Olid, replacing Marc Skinner after his five‑year tenure ended by mutual consent. Earps reflected on her time at United with affection.
"I was at Man Utd for five years and have incredible memories and friendships there," she said. "The club has changed a lot, but the players remain world‑class. It will be a tough game, but I love a challenge.
The support at Old Trafford is always fantastic, home and away, so I expect a hostile atmosphere at Bromley." She also paid tribute to her former manager. "I won an FA Cup under Marc and that memory still gives me goosebumps," Earps recalled. "He also guided the club to three other finals, which speaks for itself. I wish him all the best in his next chapter." Now, Earps is focused on writing her own new chapter with London City Lionesses, a club that aims to become a lasting force in the WSL.
Whether the headline‑grabbing summer signings translate into on‑field success remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding the project is undeniable. Fans and players alike are eager to watch this newly assembled squad grow, learn, and hopefully achieve remarkable things together.