'Such a shame' - Lionesses star Mary Earps admits disappointment over Luis Rubiales kiss scandal at Women's World Cup as she backs 'incredible' Jenni Hermoso & Spain for fighting back

Spain overcame an inspired Earps - with the England goalkeeper saving a second-half penalty - to beat the Lionesses 1-0 in the World Cup final in August. However, the scandal that unfolded after then-Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales kissed star striker Hermoso during the trophy presentation completely overshadowed Spain's achievement.

Three weeks after the kiss, Rubiales was forced to resign following widespread condemnation, while manager Jorge Vilda was sacked. With Hermoso and the Spanish prosecutor pressing charges, Spain's players threatened to boycott the national team in September unless significant changes to the women's football set-up were made.

On the situation, Earps told GQ: "They've [Spanish players] managed to voice their concerns in a really thorough way, which is fantastic. But ultimately it's come off the back of a situation where they've won the World Cup and everybody just seems to be talking about the controversy that surrounded it, which is such a shame. I'd rather shine light on what an incredible team they are and what incredible football they play."

Earps and her Manchester United team-mates will take on Man City in the first Manchester derby of the WSL season. A win at Old Trafford would see United pull five points clear of their local rivals and keep up the pressure on table toppers Chelsea.