Mary Earps has built her reputation on taking charge, whether between the sticks for England or by speaking out on the challenges facing the women's game. This summer she was 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 atmosphere 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 face her former club Manchester United, Earps reflected on her time abroad and the personal growth it sparked.
"I really feel like I was able to go away and work on myself for a couple of years. There were things in my game that I've been able to kind of work on as well," she said. "Living away from home, learning a new language, immersing yourself in a different culture and a new city, it teaches you a lot about yourself. It gives you space to reflect and figure out who you are and who you want to become as a person." Earps has never shied away from bold moves.
Before joining Manchester United, she spent a season with German powerhouse Wolfsburg, an experience that now gives her empathy for teammates making similar transitions. "There are players moving clubs for the first time, others moving countries and learning new languages.
I know how hard that is, but even moving back to England and speaking English can be a transition," she explained. "You have to adapt, and that adaptation builds character." The Lionesses' recruitment drive has produced a roster that reads like a who's‑who of women's football. The headline signing is Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas, who left Barcelona for Bromley, followed by her Barcelona teammate Mapi Leon and French international Kadidiatou Diani.
Already on the books are established internationals such as Kosovare Asllani, Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. While the squad is packed with star power, the players are still newcomers to the club, and that shared sense of novelty can forge a strong bond.
Earps described the atmosphere as akin to "everyone's first day at school," where nerves are universal but the collective excitement is palpable. "It's great because everyone is nervous – we're all doing the same thing for the first time – but there is also a lot of experience in the room. Many of the players have won trophies and have incredible pedigrees, so we are linked by those achievements and by the fact that we have faced each other before," she said. "I can't speak highly enough of the group I've met so far; they have welcomed me wonderfully." The competition for the No.1 jersey is still open.
Earps will likely contend with last season's starter Elene Lete, who recently signed a new contract, as well as Sophia Poor and Sophie Hillyerd, who round out the goalkeeping department. London City will also be looking to tighten a defence that leaked 35 goals last season – a respectable total but still higher than the league's elite, with Manchester City and Arsenal conceding just 33 between them and Chelsea only 20. Reducing that tally will be essential if the Lionesses hope to challenge the traditional Big Three. When asked how a former Golden Glove winner plans to help solidify the back line, Earps stressed the importance of understanding each defender's individual habits and preferences.
"Every player is different," she said. "Full‑backs and centre‑backs have distinct roles, and each defender has their own way of making recovery runs, positioning in the box, and receiving the ball. Some prefer it in front of them, others like it at their feet, and some take a couple of steps forward. I need to learn all those nuances, and they need to understand my style as a keeper as well." She added that much of this learning happens off the pitch as well.
"I often grab a conversation over lunch or between training reps, and we bounce ideas off each other all the time. It's a continuous dialogue that helps us sync up." The Lionesses' first test will be the opening fixture against Manchester United at Hayes Lane, broadcast live on Sky Sports. Earps acknowledged the emotional weight of facing her former teammates, especially after a turbulent summer for United that saw key departures and a change of manager, with Eva Olid replacing Marc Skinner.
"I spent five years at United and have incredible memories and friendships there," Earps said. "The club has changed a lot – I don't know as many faces now – but the quality of the players remains high. It will be a tough game, but I love a challenge.
The United fans are fantastic, both home and away, and they'll make the atmosphere at Bromley intense." She reflected fondly on her time under Skinner, recalling the FA Cup triumph. "Winning the FA Cup with Marc gave me goosebumps just thinking about it. He also guided the club to three other finals, and I wish him all the best in his next chapter," she added. Now, Earps' focus is on writing a new chapter for herself and for London City Lionesses.
The club's summer signings have generated massive headlines, and while the buzz is undeniable, the real test will be translating that excitement into consistent performances on the pitch. Fans will be watching closely to see how the blend of seasoned internationals and fresh talent gel over the course of the season, but one thing is clear: the Lionesses have set their sights high, and with leaders like Earps steering the ship, they are poised to make a lasting impression.