'Is this your version of an apology' - Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps questions Nike statement on England shirt sale snub

The Manchester United shot-stopper was left stunned after learning that fans would be unable to purchase a version of the jersey that she donned with pride and distinction at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The Lionesses – who are reigning European champions – made the final of that competition before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Spain. Earps saved a penalty during an epic showdown in Sydney, with her stock continuing to soar. Nike have missed out on potential sales after choosing not to produce goalkeeper tops and have issued a statement in which they claim to be working towards a solution for future tournaments.

Earps remains unhappy with the sportswear giants and posted on Instagram after sharing the statement in question: “@Nike is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/a powerful statement of intent?” Nike have admitted that “demand for the Lionesses Nike jersey has been incredibly strong”, and they do still have a version of the England men’s goalkeeper shirt available to buy.

Earps, who has set up a petition that now boasts over 130,000 signatures asking people to support all female keepers, said before the World Cup finals when learning of Nike’s sale snub: “I can't really sugar-coat this in any way, so I am not going to try. It is hugely disappointing and very hurtful. It is something that I have been fighting behind closed doors, I have been trying to go through the correct channels as much as possible. Which is why I have not spoken on it publicly, even though I have been asked a lot about it over the past few months because I have been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike. Unfortunately, it has become very evident that is not possible and there is not going to be an acceptable solution for the young kids out there.”