In Focus: Earps out to prove there's something about Mary

Manchester United star Mary Earps has cemented her spot as England's first-choice goalkeeper.

The Lionesses are bidding to become just the fifth country to win the Women's World Cup this summer and will need their in-form stopper to help them make history.

Earps was named the best women's goalkeeper of 2022 by FIFA and was a key player for the Red Devils as they finished second in last season's Women's Super League.

With the World Cup fast approaching, we shine a spotlight on England's 30-year-old custodian.

Best in the business

United boss Marc Skinner is convinced that Earps fully earned her FIFA award.

Speaking in March, he said: "It's a wonderful achievement and thoroughly deserved.

"You never know how these awards are going to go, you never know whether the best person actually wins the award. But in this case, [Earps] certainly did."

Saviour Sarina

It has not all been plain sailing for Earps, however.

The Nottingham native was dropped by former Lionesses boss Phil Neville and her confidence was only rebuilt under the guidance of current head coach Sarina Wiegman, who she credits for turning her international career around.

She said: "The reality is, my life before Sarina Wiegman and my life after Sarina Wiegman is totally different.

"I will always have the utmost respect and admiration for her. It's about the way she has dealt with me, communicated with me and tried to get the best out of me. I had lost a lot of confidence and belief in myself before she came around.

"I feel really good. I'm really enjoying my football and playing. I want that to continue. I still want to win more things but I have to keep grafting. I want to play at the highest level I possibly can."

Rearguard resilience

Wiegman's faith in Earps has clearly been well-placed.

The United stopper has kept 21 clean sheets in just 33 caps for the Lionesses, including four in England's triumphant Euro 2022 campaign.

She shipped just two goals in that tournament and will be hoping to replicate that solidity in Australia and New Zealand.

Unwavering for United

Earps' raw numbers as United fell just short of the WSL title last season are undoubtedly eye-catching — keeping 14 clean sheets and conceding just 12 times in 22 league outings.

In fact, she became the first goalkeeper ever to register 50 career shut-outs in the competition.

However, it is not just Earps' saves that make her stand out.

The Red Devils' No27 attempted a notable 796 passes in the league last term, playing an important role in possession, as well as out of it.

World Cup hopes

England have been drawn into Group D at the World Cup this summer, alongside China, Haiti and Denmark.

The Lionesses will be favourites to top their group and rank among the tournament's most likely winners, though the USA remain the team to beat.

If Wiegman is to steer her side to glory, she will need Earps to perform at her brilliant best.