Mary Earps stated that it has become more challenging to please everyone due to the increasing size of crowds and the difficulty for players to engage with fans at games.
The Earps siblings utilized social media to convey their annoyance towards a fan’s post on Instagram after Manchester United’s 5-0 victory over Everton. The post thanked Ella Toone and Nikita Parris for taking the time to meet the fan’s daughter, but also expressed disappointment that Mary Earps did not stop for her fans due to being too busy and important.
Earps shared a picture of the comment and expressed, “I attempt to overlook comments of this nature – but after a satisfying victory and investing considerable time post-game connecting with many of you beautiful people, it’s disheartening to come home and receive tags in comments like these. Let’s be compassionate. Have a wonderful Sunday. With love, Mary x”.
Discussing the engagement leading up to England’s Nations League game against Belgium at the King Power Stadium on Friday night, Earps stated: “As players, we are encountering a unique experience with the evolution of the game’s popularity. While we enjoy interacting with our fans, it has become increasingly challenging to satisfy everyone and engage with as many individuals as we can.”
The goalie stated: “We are extremely grateful that many people are interested in meeting us and talking to us. However, if that is the expectation, we will always fall short. I believe the focus needs to shift now. We appreciate the increased connection due to the growth of the game, but it also means we receive a lot of unnecessary comments… I don’t want to label it as abuse, but at times it is an unnecessary addition to the game. We are trying our best.”
Earps expressed her delight at the rapid sell-out of her England goalkeeper jerseys after they were finally made available for purchase. The Manchester United player had publicly advocated for the change before the World Cup. In an effort to promote the development of goalkeepers, the FA invited 103 young players to observe training, receive an England goalkeeper jersey, and participate in a Q&A session with Earps, Hannah Hampton, Ellie Roebuck, and Khiara Keating.
Earps expressed that it is extremely fulfilling for her to give back to others. While she enjoys playing football at a professional level and representing her country, her true motivation comes from being able to make a positive impact on young kids. She is grateful for the opportunity to change the status quo and provide opportunities for children that she never had herself. At a recent training session, she was overwhelmed to see 103 children in attendance, some of whom received personalized shirts with her, Roebuck’s, or Hannah’s name on them.
The recipient of the Golden Glove at the World Cup shared her goal of fostering a positive atmosphere as the lead goalkeeper for the England team. She stated, “I have always strived to build a strong and supportive goalkeeper group where we can have some friendly banter, yet still be united in our determination to be our best selves and put in hard work.” She added, “In the past, it was challenging for me to join groups with more experienced players, and that is not the kind of environment I want to cultivate.”
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Lauren James will not be available for England’s consecutive matches against Belgium, including their upcoming game in Leuven on Tuesday. Sarina Wiegman stated that the Chelsea striker suffered a concussion.
The manager assured that James’s concussion was not a cause for concern, but stated that protocol must still be adhered to due to the short time frame before the next two games. Lotte Wubben-Moy is currently in training, but her ankle injury is still being evaluated.
Source: theguardian.com
