Mary Earps all smiles during Lionesses ‘camp living’ despite being surprisingly benched by England & made to wait for 50th cap

The Manchester United star, who is the reigning BBC Sports Personality of the Year and a two-time winner of the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper award, is a European Champion and World Cup finalist with the Lionesses. She is, however, not untouchable when it comes to a position between the sticks.

Earps did help to open England’s defence of their Euro crown, in a 1-1 draw with Sweden, but was dropped behind Chelsea custodian Hannah Hampton for a 2-0 victory over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Sarina Wiegman confirmed that decision was “not down to an injury”.

While Earps faces serious competition for the No.1 spot with England, she was able to enjoy another international camp. There was plenty of laughing and joking behind the scenes, with Earps proving as much in a collection of social media snaps.

Earps, who is now 31 years of age, has moved on to 49 appearances for the Lionesses. She will be desperate to reach a half-century of caps as soon as possible – having kept 25 clean sheets so far – and could reach that milestone when England return to action on May 31 against France at St James’ Park in Newcastle.