Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has openly admitted she does not know if she is ready to face the scrutiny of English football again, following her high-profile return to the Women's Super League with London City Lionesses.
The 33-year-old, who spent two years at Paris Saint-Germain, has signed a two-year deal with the ambitious London side, but her return to what she once called the "craziness of England" comes with significant baggage after past social media abuse and controversy over her autobiography.
A cautious return to the spotlight
Speaking exclusively to BBC Sport, Earps was refreshingly honest when asked if she felt ready for the inevitable attention.
"I don't know," she said. "You know, I think the game can be noisy and that's hard to deal with sometimes. It kind of comes with the territory a bit and how social media has boomed."
The goalkeeper, who helped England win Euro 2022 and reach the 2023 World Cup final, has been a prominent figure in women's football, but that profile has come at a price. She was targeted by online trolls and faced backlash after winning BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in 2023, while her autobiography – containing comments about former team-mate Hannah Hampton and manager Sarina Wiegman – drew criticism from fans and Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor.
Earps acknowledged the double-edged nature of the game's growing popularity.
"I'm a believer that you've got to take the good with the bad. We've been working really hard to build the game on socials for so many years. It is hard sometimes," she admitted.
The London City Lionesses project
Earps's move to London City Lionesses is a statement signing for a club transformed by American businesswoman Michele Kang's investment since December 2023. After promotion to the WSL in 2025, they finished sixth in their debut top-flight season and are now assembling a squad capable of challenging more established names.
"She's a powerful woman in business and as someone who's got a passion for business, I'm pretty inspired by businesswomen," Earps said of Kang. "Her energy is really infectious and I think you've seen it over the years, her investment [in women's sport] has been consistent. It's clear that she has a real passion and energy for women's sport as a whole."
The goalkeeper, who retired from international duty last year with 53 caps, says she is in a "different phase" of her career.
"I'm not ready for the real world yet. I'm ready to make the most of everything that comes my way. I'm in a bit of a different phase of my career. I don't want to say old, but let's say experienced, a little bit wiser, knowing who I am as a person and what's important to me."
What Earps brings to London City
Earps's arrival adds world-class experience and a winning mentality to a London City side looking to make waves in the WSL. Her leadership from the back and shot-stopping pedigree – honed at the very highest level – will be invaluable as the club seeks to improve on last season's sixth-place finish.
Despite the noise surrounding her return, Earps appears focused on the positives.
"This club and this project feels special to be a part of, in terms of what they're trying to do in women's football and women's sport," she said. "I feel like our values and personalities kind of align in what we want to do. I'm hoping that's going to be really fun every day."
Key Takeaways
- Mary Earps has joined London City Lionesses on a two-year deal, returning to England after two years at PSG.
- The goalkeeper expressed uncertainty about handling the spotlight, citing past social media abuse and controversy.
- Earps is attracted by the ambitious project under owner Michele Kang, who has invested heavily in the club.
- The 33-year-old believes she is in a wiser, more experienced phase of her career and ready to embrace new challenges.
- She retired from international football in 2025 with 53 caps and multiple tournament medals.
Quick Facts
Player: Mary Earps
New Club: London City Lionesses
Contract: Two-year deal
Previous Club: Paris Saint-Germain
International Career: 53 caps for England, retired 2025
Major Honours: Euro 2022 winner, 2023 World Cup runner-up
Source: BBC Sport
