Mary Earps’ Challenging Start at Paris Saint-Germain
Mary Earps, the former Manchester United goalkeeper, embarked on a new chapter in her career this summer by joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). With aspirations of stepping out of her comfort zone, winning trophies, and playing for one of Europe’s elite teams, her journey has not been without its hurdles.
Early Setbacks
Since her arrival in France, Earps has faced an uphill battle. The elimination from the Champions League qualifying stages has raised questions about PSG’s ambitions and ability to compete for top titles this season. This situation adds an unexpected layer of pressure on Earps as she navigates her new role.
Adapting to New Challenges
Adapting to life in a new country can be daunting, particularly with the challenges of a foreign language and culture. On top of this, Earps has found herself in a fierce competition for the No. 1 goalkeeper position within her new team. The transition period has been complicated by several surprising challenges on the pitch, making her adjustment to PSG even more difficult.
The Road Ahead
This season is crucial for Earps, especially with England gearing up to defend their European title in Switzerland next summer. Earps played a significant role in England’s triumph at Wembley in 2022, but with the emergence of Hannah Hampton at Chelsea, her place in Sarina Wiegman’s starting lineup is at risk. To secure her position, Earps must rise to the occasion in France, demonstrating her capabilities and resilience amid the obstacles she faces.
Mary Earps: A Vital Player for England
Twelve months ago, the situation in England's goalkeeping department was far from ideal, a reality head coach Sarina Wiegman would have preferred to avoid. During this challenging period, Mary Earps emerged as a crucial figure, serving as the sole shot-stopper in the Lionesses' ranks who was playing regularly.
Fortunately for the national team, Earps was in excellent form, effectively masking the deficiencies that existed among her peers. At that time, Hannah Hampton had yet to make an appearance for Chelsea, and Ellie Roebuck found herself left out of Manchester City’s matchday squads. Meanwhile, Khiara Keating, an uncapped teenager, was emerging as Roebuck’s replacement, and Sandy MacIver had switched her allegiance to Scotland.
As England embarked on an (ultimately unsuccessful) quest to qualify for the Nations League finals and the Olympic Games, Earps' regular playing time became even more critical. Her presence on the pitch was indispensable, making her more important to the national team than ever before.
The Difference a Year Makes
In the past year, the landscape of England’s goalkeeping options has transformed significantly. While Ellie Roebuck, now with Barcelona, continues to recover from a type of stroke and Sandy MacIver remains committed to Scotland, other dynamics have shifted dramatically.
Khiara Keating, who previously showed promise, is now struggling for game time at Manchester City. With the summer arrival of Ayaka Yamashita, who has claimed the No. 1 spot, Keating's opportunities have become limited. This has prompted Sarina Wiegman to explore other goalkeeping options, including calling up Anna Moorhouse from Orlando Pride. The 29-year-old has been impressive for her NWSL team, contributing to their success as Shield winners, yet she remains uncapped at the international level.
Most notably, Hannah Hampton has emerged as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, solidifying her position as a strong contender for England's No. 1 shirt. As her playing time has increased with the Blues, her profile within Wiegman’s squad has risen accordingly. Many observers now believe that Hampton is in pole position to assume the starting role for the Lionesses, further complicating Earps’ journey to secure her spot.
Battling to be No. 1
As England turns its attention to defending their title at next summer’s Euros, it’s crucial that Hannah Hampton does not simply inherit the starting goalkeeper role by default. At just 23 years old, she has recently made her Champions League debut and has yet to experience the pressure of a major international tournament.
This isn’t to suggest that Hampton should be overlooked for the role; she is undeniably a remarkable talent. If former coach Emma Hayes is to be believed, she has the potential to become the best goalkeeper in the world. Hampton’s performances for both club and country throughout 2024 have been impressive, showcasing her abilities and readiness to take on the responsibility.
However, it’s vital for the Lionesses that Hampton earns her position rather than being granted it merely because she is currently the only option playing regular minutes. Given the depth of talent within England’s squad, it would be concerning if the European champions didn’t have genuine competition for the No. 1 spot. Healthy competition encourages players to elevate their performances and ensures that the team is at its best for such a significant tournament.
Healthy Competition
As Hannah Hampton vies with Mary Earps for the starting goalkeeper role, there is much for her to learn from the experienced 31-year-old. Earps has played for prestigious clubs and has made her mark in two major international tournaments, fully understanding the weight of expectation that accompanies her position within the Lionesses. Moreover, she exemplifies professionalism and dedication, pushing her younger teammate to excel during training.
This intensifying competition is likely to please Sarina Wiegman, especially considering that Earps was the only goalkeeper playing regularly last year. The dynamic between the two is not solely about competition; it also ensures that if anything were to happen to either shot-stopper, Wiegman can rest assured that she has a replacement who is match-fit, in-form, and possesses considerable experience.
This healthy rivalry not only enhances individual performance but also strengthens the overall squad as they prepare for the challenges ahead, ensuring the Lionesses are well-equipped to defend their title.
Two Strong Options
It’s crucial for England that Mary Earps has a positive experience in Paris, especially as she appears to be settling in now. Whether she emerges as the Lionesses’ No. 1 for Euro 2025 or serves as a strong second choice, pushing Hannah Hampton to reach her full potential, it's essential that Earps is in a good place both mentally and professionally.
Sarina Wiegman recently addressed Earps’ situation, stating, “You bring this message as if she's not a starting player for PSG and I think she is. She’s the No. 1 goalkeeper. There’s competition there, too. That’s obvious. She started this weekend.”
Wiegman acknowledged the challenges Earps faces, noting, “I think moving to France, of course, she's adapting to a new situation. Unfortunately, they didn't qualify for the group stage in the Champions League, which is a disappointment for them, for Mary, and for us too, because we want to see her in the Champions League. So that’s not the start I think she had hoped for. But still, we know what she brings for us, and we also know there's a huge competition going on between her and Hannah, and Anna also coming in.”
The race for the starting goalkeeper role may take the full nine months leading up to Euro 2025, with the competition beginning in earnest with the upcoming friendly against Germany. As the Lionesses prepare to defend their title in Switzerland, it is vital for the team, Wiegman, and both goalkeepers that the final decision is reached through a positive and competitive environment, rather than being influenced by a challenging first season for Earps in Paris.
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