England’s number one had done everything she could to bring home the World Cup title, including saving Jenni Hermoso’s penalty in the final, but it was in vain.
The 30-year-old has had an incredible international career, rising from being an outcast on the verge of retirement to being one of the most well-known goalkeepers in the world.
While England fell short in the final, Earps’ efforts throughout the tournament cemented her title as the top goalkeeper in the world.
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‘There’s a reason she’s the best.’
She made crucial saves in practically every game, preserving three clean sheets on her way to the final and winning Player of the Match after excelling in England’s penalty shootout triumph against Nigeria.
In Colombia’s 2-1 triumph against Haiti, she deflected Roseline Eloissaint’s shot before sending Lorena Durango Bedoya’s effort over the bar. She stopped Cortnee Vine’s shot late in the semi-finals 3-1 triumph over Australia, and then made four saves in the 1-0 loss to Spain.
“That’s why she’s number one, that’s what she does for the team,” Ella Toone, a Manchester United teammate, said after the win over Haiti.
“She makes some incredible saves.” She kept us in the game, which is why she’s number one and our goalie.”
“She’s the best for a reason,” England midfielder Georgia Stanway remarked, “and moments like that explain why.”
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Earps saved her best for last, making three crucial stops as England frantically fought to get back into the World Cup final, but to no avail.
She had her moment of glory, diving low to stop Hermoso’s penalty kick, yelling in delight and putting her tongue out as captain Millie Bright raced to lift her up and praise her for saving England’s season.
But, unlike so many of her saves, it did not spark an England comeback.
Life was drastically different before and after Wiegman Earps’ final World Cup. In 2019, she was third-choice goalkeeper before being sacked by former boss Phil Neville.
Earps had not represented England for two years. She considered retiring before Sarina Wiegman’s entrance in September 2021 restored her faith.
“The reality is that my life before Sarina Wiegman and my life after Sarina Wiegman are totally different,” Earps told BBC Sport in January.
Earps had become the unquestioned England number one in the span of a year, starting every match at Euro 2022 and winning the Golden Glove as the Lionesses won their first major championship.
Following her amazing efforts on the grandest platform of them all, Earps has done everything she can to retain the Fifa Best Goalkeeper accolade this year.
The Earps compete for goalkeeping exposure.
Earps’ ascension with the Lionesses has made her a popular figure among fans and a notable role model for young boys and girls.
However, Earps stated in July that she was “hurt” that fans could not purchase a copy of her goalie kit.
Her remarks were widely praised, and the Football Association’s Mark Bullingham later stated that the matter will be “addressed quite soon after the tournament.”
“Mary spoke passionately about it, and we want to grow goalkeeping – it’s about building role models,” he said.
Earps’ performance in England’s final defeat has further fueled requests for her jersey to be sold, with ex-Lions striker Ellen White expressing hope that one day her infant daughter will own one.
