Nike announces Mary Earps replica goalkeeper shirt will be sold amid growing backlash

24 August 2023, 17:23 | Updated: 24 August 2023, 17:34

England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps
England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps. Picture: Getty
Kieran Kelly

By Kieran Kelly

A limited number of replica Mary Earps goalkeeping shirts will made available to buy by England kit manufacturer Nike following a growing backlash.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Earps had said prior to the World Cup it was "hugely disappointing and very hurtful" that the replica kits were not available to purchase.

Calls for Nike to put things right have grown over the last week - including from former sports minister Tracey Crouch - after Earps saved a penalty for England in Sunday's World Cup final against Spain.

The Lionesses ultimately fell at the final hurdle, losing 1-0 to Spain.

The company has now acted, with a spokesperson for the company saying on Thursday: "We've seen and share the unprecedented passion and interest in women's football this year and remain committed to playing our part by offering the best products and services to athletes and fans.

"We invested more in this year's World Cup than any other global tournament to date. Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, (the United States), France and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days, and we are also in conversations with our other federation partners.

"We recognise that during the tournament we didn't serve those fans who wished to show their passion and support to the squad's goalkeepers. We are committed to retailing women's goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future."

Mary Earps said she was disappointed that the goalkeeper shirts would not be sold before the World Cup
Mary Earps said she was disappointed that the goalkeeper shirts would not be sold before the World Cup. Picture: Getty

Crouch welcomed the news and posted on X: "I find it extraordinary that a major brand got themselves into this pickle in 1st place but now it will be very interesting to see what "limited quantity" means and if they come in all sizes, as I suspect a large number of fans of all ages & shapes will want one."

"Overdue, but the right move from @Nike," Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer added.

"Just when thousands of women and girls across the nation are being inspired to get into football, thanks to the likes of Mary Earps, goalkeepers must be given the same recognition as outfield players

"As Karen Carney's report made clear, there is vast investment potential to help grow the women's game."

Read More: Fans left ‘devastated’ after waiting to see Lionesses arrive at Heathrow - but team left by a ‘private’ door

Read More: Lionesses 'heartbroken' by World Cup final defeat as King and Prince William send tributes

"It's no longer acceptable to claim there isn't a market for producing replica shirts. I look forward to seeing fans wearing the shirt when @Lionesses play next month."

Earps' club Manchester United confirmed her number 27 shirt was the second best-selling women's replica shirt so far this season, behind Lionesses team-mate Ella Toone.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

US President Donald Trump holds a chart as he delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose Garden entitled "Make America Wealthy Again"

'Liberation Day' explained: What are Trump's tariffs and how will they impact the UK?

The blurry thieves stole £3,000 worth of cigarettes and vapes.

Police release CCTV after thieves steal £3,000 of vapes - but images leave the public calling for 'the ghostbusters'

Julie Goodyear

Julie Goodyear's husband shares rare photo of Coronation Street star two years on from dementia diagnosis

: An aerial view shows the scorched graveyard around a church following a large blaze the previous day, on July 20, 2022 in Wennington, Greater London

Londoners urged not to have barbecues this weekend amid soaring temperatures 'because of wildfire risk'

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' as Apprentice star teases potential US Presidential meeting

Lord Sugar labels Trump tariffs 'a disaster' - as Apprentice star teases potential US Presidential meeting

Mother and two children struck and killed by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York: driver operating suspended license

Husband left 'utterly bereft' after Brit mum and two daughters killed in New York car crash

The Nintendo Switch 2 will release on June 5, 2025

Nintendo Switch 2: Exciting reveal, but why is it more expensive here?

BRITAIN-FUNERAL-POLICE

Funeral director charged with 64 offences including fraud, theft and preventing 30 lawful burials

swallow-tail

Brits urged to 'stop mowing lawns' amid 'national butterfly crisis' with more than half of species in decline

Kyle Kitchen, 38, murdered eight-week-old Primose Kane

Dad who murdered daughter by violently shaking her as baby is jailed for life

Buildings that were destroyed during the Israeli ground and air operations in Gaza

Israel expands ground attack on Gaza to seize 'large areas' - despite pleas from hostage families

Douglas Clifton Brown, 56, tried to kill his estranged wife

Old Etonian who tried to murder his estranged partner by throwing her down a 240ft well is jailed for 24 years

Kaliyah Coa, 11, was reportedly down at the water when she was 'swept away'

Pictured: Missing 11-year-old 'swept away' while paddling in the River Thames

Hot cross buns could be scarce this Easter as farmers continue to protest against Rachel Reeves' 'tractor tax'.

Hot cross bun shortage looms as farmers escalate 'tractor tax' protests

Tanesha Melbourne-Blake was shot

Teenage girl shot dead during gang 'ride-out' following social media humiliation

Mother and two children struck and killed by a vehicle in Brooklyn, New York: driver operating suspended license

Brit mum and daughters, eight and five, killed in crash by driver who said 'I have the devil in me'