Mary Earps interview: Ex-England goalkeeper says ‘I’ve not written the book to tear anyone down’

On Friday, Earps told the BBC she felt “ready and happy to share” that she is in a same-sex relationship with her partner Kitty.

She says her time at Wolfsburg in 2018-2019 helped her see things differently, and though when she met Kitty it was “confusing”, she is proud of their relationship.

“I don’t see sexuality as linear. I don’t label things. It’s being brave enough to say ‘yes, this is my relationship and I’m proud of that – I’m not ashamed’,” added Earps.

“I have always tried to keep my relationships private but that isn’t realistic when you’re writing a book of integrity and authenticity.”

During the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Earps reveals in the book that Kitty had a row with the goalkeeper’s dad after hearing “hurtful things” about their relationship.

Earps worried if her family would ever accept Kitty in that moment.

“My family mean a great deal to me and so does my relationship. There were difficulties we had to navigate but we’re through that now, thankfully,” she added.

Having a family of her own has also been something in Earps’ mind for a few years and she has frozen her eggs for later use in fertility treatment.

“It was a crazy, invasive process. I would love to be a mum and have a family but I love playing football,” said Earps.

“Some players go off and become pregnant which is their right and they do a fantastic job. I would prefer not to do that. I want to, hopefully if the universe allows it, have a child later down the line.

“There were a few questions that I couldn’t answer. You are pumped with hormones for X amount of days and then you have the procedure.

“There is general medical advice but it would be great for there to be research around specific athletes. Is there a certain loading or exercises you should be doing? Should you avoid certain things?”