Mary Earps has always been a leader on the pitch, whether she is guarding the net for England or speaking out on issues that affect women's football. This summer she became the first player to sign for the London City Lionesses as they assembled a roster brimming with international talent. After two seasons in France with Paris Saint‑Germain, Earps is returning to the Women's Super League, describing the French stint as "a very different environment" that broadened her perspective both professionally and personally. 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, Earps 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 things in my game that I've been able to kind of work on as well." She added, "Living away from home, learning a new language, immersing yourself in a new culture and a new city, it teaches you a lot about yourself. It gives you space to reflect and figure out more about who you are and who you want to be as a person." Earps has never shied away from big moves. Before joining Manchester United, she spent a season with German powerhouse Wolfsburg, an experience that now gives her empathy for teammates who are making similar transitions. "There are players moving clubs for the first time, others moving countries and learning different languages.
I know how hard that is, but even moving back to England and speaking English can be a transition," she said. 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 established internationals such as Kosovare Asllani, Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro are also part of the squad. While the squad is filled with super‑stars, all of them are still newcomers to the club, a situation that can be intimidating but also fosters a strong sense of camaraderie.
Earps explained, "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." She likened the atmosphere to a first day at school: "Everyone is nervous because everyone's doing the same thing. But there is a lot of experience in the room as well. Many of the players have won trophies and have incredible pedigree, so we're all bonded by that experience and maybe by having played against each other before." Earps praised the warm welcome she has received, saying, "I honestly can't speak highly enough of the group that I've experienced so far; they've been brilliant at welcoming me." It is still uncertain whether Earps will claim the starting goalkeeper spot.
She will likely compete with last season's first‑choice keeper Elene Lete, who renewed her contract over the summer, as well as with Sophia Poor and Sophie Hillyerd in the goalkeeping department. London City will also be looking to tighten a defence that conceded 35 goals last season.
For context, the league's top two teams, Manchester City and Arsenal, let in a combined 33 goals, while Chelsea kept the opposition to just 20. Reducing the number of goals conceded will be essential if the Lionesses hope to challenge the traditional powerhouses. When asked how a former WSL Golden Glove winner plans to bring solidity to a back line that has struggled, Earps emphasized the importance of understanding each defender's individual traits.
"Full‑back and centre‑back are two very different positions. Then you have everyone's individual qualities – their preferred starting positions, how they like to make recovery runs, where they position themselves in the box, whether they prefer the ball at their feet or in front of them. All those small details make a big difference," she said.
She added that the relationship works both ways: "They also need to get to know me, understand my positioning and what type of goalkeeper I am. It's a lot of work on the pitch and sometimes we chat over lunch or between training reps, bouncing ideas off each other." London City's first test will be the opening fixture against Manchester United at Hayes Lane, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The match will be a true measuring stick for the new squad, especially given United's turbulent summer, which saw several key departures and a change in management.
Former Hearts coach Eva Olid replaced Marc Skinner after his five‑year tenure ended by mutual consent. Reflecting on her five years at United, Earps said, "I have incredible memories there and met some amazing people.
I know the club has changed a lot – there aren't as many familiar faces, but the talent on the pitch remains outstanding." She acknowledged the challenge ahead: "It will be a really tough game, but I love a challenge. The support for United is always fantastic, home and away, so I know they'll try to make it a difficult atmosphere for us at Bromley." Earps also recalled the emotional moments she shared with former United manager Marc Skinner, including an FA Cup triumph that still gives her "goosebumps" when she thinks about it.
She praised his contribution to the club's success and wished him well in his next chapter. Now, Earps's focus is on writing a new chapter with London City Lionesses, a club that has made headlines with its summer signings.
Whether the influx of star power translates into on‑field success remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding the project suggests that fans and players alike will not forget this season any time soon.