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20th August 2023
06:24pm BST
England fans are calling on Nike to start selling replica Mary Earps shirts following the goalkeeper's outstanding performances at the World Cup.
The Lionesses fell to a 1-0 defeat to Spain on Sunday morning in Sydney, as the Spanish claimed their first ever Women's World Cup title.
Olga Carmona’s first-half strike was enough to see Spain over the line in a nervy final, in which Earps starred.
England had looked to be given a lifeline when the keeper saved Jennifer Hermoso’s penalty in the 69th minute, but they couldn’t find a way past Spain and rarely looked liked scoring.
The penalty save was just one moment in a stunning performance from Earps, who pulled off some outstanding saves during the match to keep England in the game.
And after the game, she was crowned the winner of the tournament's Golden Glove award.
But, any fans who may be looking to buy her England shirt will be disappointed, with Nike not selling replicas of the keeper's shirt.
Before the tournament, Earps said it was "hugely hurtful" when she found out fans couldn't buy her shirt, which she only discovered when none of the promotional pictures of the England goalkeepers were used in Nike's campaign.
The Manchester United player had even offered to pay for the shirts herself.
Following her performance in the final and throughout the World Cup, calls have grown for Nike to put Earps' shirt up for sale.
One wrote: "Mary Earps has just saved a penalty in a World Cup final and you STILL can’t buy her goalkeeper shirt. It doesn’t get much more glorious than that as a ‘keeper, and it’ll inspire so many. Sort it out Nike"
Another said: "For God's sake Nike, sort Mary Earps fans a shirt because she has been absolutely phenomenal."
Addressing the decision to not sell replicas of Earps' shirt, a Nike spokesperson said: “Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.
“We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.
“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with Fifa and the federations.
“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”
Along with being named the best goalkeeper at this year's tournament, Earps was named Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper for 2022 last year.
The England men's number one Jordan Pickford also does not have a replica goalkeeper shirt available for purchase from the England store.
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