Mary Earps has always been accustomed to taking charge, whether she’s guarding England’s net or speaking out on issues affecting the women’s game. This summer, she was the first player to sign for the London City Lionesses as they assembled a squad glittering with international talent. After two seasons in France with Paris Saint‑Germain, the England goalkeeper returns to the Women’s Super League, describing the French stint as "a very different environment" that broadened her perspective. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports ahead of the WSL’s kick‑off 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 who you are and who you want to be as a person." Earps has never shied away from big moves.
Before joining 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," she noted. "Some are moving countries, learning different languages. I know how hard that is, but even moving back to England and speaking English, it’s still a transition." The Lionesses’ recruitment list reads like a who’s‑who of the modern game.
The headline signing is Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who left her boyhood side Barcelona for Bromley. She is joined by fellow Spanish star Mapi Leon and French forward Kadidiatou Diani, alongside established names already at the club such as Kosovare Asllani, Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro. While these players, Earps included, are accustomed to the spotlight, they are still newcomers to a brand‑new project – a situation that can be intimidating but also fosters a unique camaraderie essential for success.
The goalkeeper 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 finding their footing." She likened the atmosphere to a first day at school: "It’s great in a way because it’s like everyone’s first day at school.
You say ‘I’m nervous’, but everyone is nervous because everyone’s doing the same thing." At the same time, the dressing room is brimming with experience. Many of the signings have lifted trophies and possess impressive pedigrees, creating a bond built on shared achievements and mutual respect.
"I honestly can’t speak highly enough of the group I’ve experienced so far – they’ve been brilliant at welcoming me," Earps said. It remains to be seen whether Earns will claim the No 1 spot. She will likely compete with last season’s first‑choice keeper Elene Lete, who renewed her contract over the summer, as well as younger options Sophia Poor and Sophie Hillyerd.
Defensively, London City will aim to improve after conceding 35 goals last season – a respectable tally but still higher than the league’s elite. Manchester City and Arsenal together let in just 33, while Chelsea’s defence was the stingiest with only 20 goals conceded.
To challenge the traditional “Big Three,” the Lionesses must tighten their back line dramatically. When asked how a former Golden Glove winner plans to help solidify the defence, Earps emphasized the importance of understanding individual nuances: "It’s getting to know them because every individual is so different. Full‑backs and centre‑backs have very different responsibilities, and each player has their own preferences for positioning, recovery runs, and how they like the ball to be played to them." She continued, "They also need to understand my style – where I like to be, what type of goalkeeper I am. It’s a lot of small details that make a big difference.
I often grab a conversation over lunch or between training reps and we bounce ideas off each other constantly." London City’s first real test will arrive on 4 September when they host Manchester United at Hayes Lane, a match that will be televised live on Sky Sports. United have endured a turbulent summer themselves, losing key players and replacing head coach Marc Skinner with former Hearts boss Eva Olid.
Earps reflected on her five‑year spell at United: "I have incredible memories there and met some amazing people. 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 fantastic, home and away, so I know they’ll try to make it a difficult atmosphere for us." She added, "I won an FA Cup with Marc and that memory still gives me goosebumps. He also guided the club to three other finals, so I wish him all the best in his next chapter." Now Earps’s focus is on her own new chapter and on helping London City write its own historic narrative. The headline‑grabbing summer signings have generated massive excitement, but only time will tell how that translates onto the pitch.
What is certain is that the Lionesses have assembled a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience that could make them a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.