Mary Earps has always been a leader on the pitch, whether she’s defending England’s goal or speaking out about challenges facing women’s football. This summer she was the first player to sign for the London City Lionesses as they assembled a roster glittering 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. 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 recent journey: "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, "As a person, living away from home, immersing yourself in a new language, a new culture, a new city, a new country, it teaches you a lot of things 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 her time at Manchester United she spent a season with German powerhouse Wolfsburg, and that experience gives her a deep empathy for teammates who are also navigating major transitions.
"There are players who are moving clubs for the first time," she said. "There are players 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 roll‑call of the world’s elite. The headline signing is Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who left Barcelona for Bromley, followed by her Spain teammate Mapi Leon and French star Kadidiatou Diani.
Already‑established internationals such as Kosovare Asllani, Delphine Cascarino and Grace Geyoro are also part of the squad. While these players are accustomed to the spotlight, they are still newcomers to the club – a situation that can feel intimidating but also fosters a strong sense of camaraderie essential for success. Earps explained the atmosphere: "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, but even the players that have been here before, they’ve maybe only been here a year or so." "That’s what happens 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 incredible things for a long time.
That’s a massive reason why I came here." She likened the feeling to a first day of 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 packed with experience. Many of the newcomers have already lifted trophies and possess impressive pedigrees, creating a bond built on shared achievement.
"I honestly can’t speak highly enough of the group I’ve experienced so far – they’ve been brilliant at welcoming me," Earps added. It remains to be seen whether Earps will immediately claim the No 1 spot.
She will likely compete with last season’s starter Elene Lete, who renewed her contract over the summer, as well as Sophia Poor and Sophie Hillyerd, who are also in the goalkeeping pool. London City will also be looking to tighten a defence that leaked 35 goals last season. While not the worst record, it pales in comparison to the league’s elite: Manchester City and Arsenal together conceded just 33, and Chelsea only 20.
If the Lionesses hope to challenge the traditional “Big Three,” they must dramatically improve their defensive solidity. When asked how a former WSL Golden Glove winner plans to help the back line, Earps said, "It’s about getting to know each individual because every player is different. It’s the little details that make a big difference." She continued, "Full‑back and centre‑back are two very different positions.
Then you have each player’s personal qualities – that’s probably the hardest part – understanding their preferred starting positions, how they like to make recovery runs, where they want to be in the box, how they receive the ball – do they want it in front of them, at their feet? Do they take two steps forward?" Equally important, she added, is for the defenders to understand her style: "They need to know where I like to be, what type of goalkeeper I am, so it’s a lot of learning on the pitch." "I sometimes grab a conversation over lunch or between training reps and we bounce ideas off each other all the time," she said, highlighting the informal communication that will help the unit gel. London City’s first real test arrives on 4 September when they host Manchester United at Hayes Lane, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Earps’ former club has endured a turbulent summer, losing key players and replacing head coach Marc Skinner with former Hearts manager Eva Olid after Skinner’s departure by mutual consent. Reflecting on her five‑year spell 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 now, but they still have fantastic players." She acknowledged the challenge ahead: "It will be a really tough game, but I’m looking forward to it and I love a challenge. The support of Manchester United is always fantastic, home and away, so I know they’ll come to Bromley and try to make it a difficult atmosphere for us." Earps also paid tribute to former United manager Marc Skinner, recalling the FA Cup triumph they shared: "I won an FA Cup with Marc and I will always cherish that memory.
It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. He also helped the club reach three other finals, so that speaks for itself and I wish him all the best in his next chapter." Now, Earps’ focus is on her own new chapter and on helping London City write a landmark season. Whether the headline‑grabbing summer signings translate into on‑field success remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding the squad promises a memorable campaign for fans and players alike.