Mary Earps has always been a leader, whether she is standing between the posts for England or using her platform to highlight challenges within the women's game. This summer she was the first player to sign for the London City Lionesses as they assembled a roster brimming with international talent. After a two‑year stint in France with Paris Saint‑Germain, Earps is returning to the Women’s Super League, describing the French experience as “a very different environment” that helped her grow both on and off the pitch.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports ahead of the WSL’s opening weekend on 4 September – when London City will meet her former club Manchester United – the England goalkeeper reflected on her time abroad: “I really feel like I was able to go away and work on myself for a couple of years. There were aspects of my game that I could finally focus on and improve.” She added, “Living away from home, learning a new language, immersing yourself in a different culture and city, teaches you a lot about who you are. It gives you space to reflect and decide what kind of person you want to become.” Earps has never shied away from bold moves.
Before her spell at Manchester United she spent a season with German powerhouse Wolfsburg, an experience that now gives her empathy for teammates making similar transitions. “Some players are moving clubs for the first time, others are relocating to a new country and learning a new language.
I know how challenging that can be, but even coming back to England and speaking English again is a transition,” she explained. The Lionesses’ recruitment list reads like a who’s‑who of contemporary women’s football.
The headline signing is Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who left Barcelona for Bromley, followed by her teammate Mapi Leon and French international Kadidiatou Diani. Already on the roster are established stars such as Kosovare Asllani, Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. While all of these players, Earps included, are accustomed to the spotlight, they are still newcomers to a brand‑new project – an intimidating prospect for anyone. Yet that shared sense of novelty can forge a strong camaraderie, a cornerstone of any successful side.
Earps summed up the feeling: “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. Even the players who have been here a year or so are still adjusting.
When you’re a brand‑new entity, it’s exciting because you get to be part of that history, and I truly believe London City will achieve great things for a long time. That’s a massive reason why I came here.” She likened the atmosphere to a first day at school. “You say ‘I’m nervous’, but everyone is nervous because everyone is doing the same thing.
Yet there’s a lot of experience in the room – many of the players have won trophies and have incredible pedigree. We’re all bonded by that experience, and we may have faced each other on the pitch before.” Earps praised the warm welcome she has already received, stating, “I honestly can’t speak highly enough of the group I’ve met so far – they have been brilliant at making me feel at home.” It remains to be seen whether she will claim the No 1 jersey immediately. She will likely compete with last season’s first‑choice keeper Elene Lete, who signed a new contract this summer, as well as younger options Sophia Poor and Sophie Hillyerd. London City will also need to tighten their defence.
The Lionesses conceded 35 goals last season – not the worst tally, but considerably higher than the league leaders Manchester City and Arsenal, who together let in just 33, and Chelsea, who kept the net to 20. If the club hopes to challenge the traditional “Big Three”, they must dramatically improve their defensive record.
When asked how a former WSL Golden Glove winner plans to help solidify the back line, Earps answered, “It’s about getting to know each defender because every individual is different. Small details make a big difference – full‑backs and centre‑backs have distinct roles, and each player has their own preferred positioning, recovery runs, and comfort with the ball. I need to understand where they like to receive the ball, whether they step forward or stay back, and they need to understand my style as a keeper.” She added, “We talk a lot – over lunch, between training reps – bouncing ideas off each other.
It’s a constant learning process on the pitch.” London City’s first test will be the opening match against Manchester United at Hayes Lane, televised live on Sky Sports. Earps’ former side have endured a turbulent summer, losing several key players and appointing former Hearts manager Eva Olid as head coach after Marc Skinner’s departure. Reflecting on her five‑year spell at United, Earps said, “I have incredible memories and met amazing people there. The club has changed a lot; I don’t know many of the faces now, but they still have fantastic players.
It will be a tough game, but I love a challenge. The support at United is always massive, home and away, so I know they’ll make it a difficult atmosphere for us.” She recalled the triumphs she shared with United’s former manager, “I won an FA Cup with Marc, and thinking about that gives me goosebumps. He also guided the club to three other finals, which says a lot about his impact. I wish him all the best in his next chapter.” Now, Earps’ focus is on writing a new chapter for herself and for London City.
The headline‑grabbing summer signings have generated huge excitement, but the real test will be how the team translates that buzz into performances on the pitch. Fans and players alike will be watching closely, eager to see whether this ambitious project can deliver the promised success. The Lionesses’ journey is just beginning, and with Earps’ experience, leadership, and fresh perspective, the club hopes to turn the excitement of a “first day of school” into a lasting legacy in women’s football.