Don’t be the next Mary Earps! Lionesses goalkeeper sends inspirational ‘be unapologetically yourself’ message to England stars of the future

The 32-year-old is a hero to millions around the world, with many hoping to one day follow in her illustrious footsteps. The European Championship winner and two-time FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper is, however, eager to see internationals of the future tread their own path.

She does not want someone to grow up being told that they should be the ‘next Mary Earps’, with it important that ability and character is allowed to flourish at its own pace without the distraction of unnecessary pressure.

Earps overcome plenty of obstacles when making her own way to the top, so knows how important it is to always keep the faith and believe in yourself. Anyone that adopts said mindset will not go too far wrong.

Lionesses shot-stopper Earps told Sky Sports: “If I could give a message to my younger self, or a younger person, sports person coming through right now. I would say that we live in a world where we’re always comparing ourselves to other people.

“You maybe have people in your life - coaches, family, friends - who are telling you that you need to replicate someone or emulate someone. And I think it’s really important that we encourage all young girls and boys to be exactly who they are.

“Be unapologetically yourself. Follow your own path. There’s more than one way to get to the same destination. Everyone’s got a different journey to success. And, stay true to who you are.”

Earps, who is now on the books of Paris Saint-Germain, will be back in trophy-hunting mode this summer when forming part of the England squad that is hoping to defend their Euros title on Swiss soil.