In a startlingly honest revelation, England's celebrated goalkeeper Mary Earps has pulled back the curtain on the intense mental health struggles she faced during what should have been the pinnacle of her career.
The Lionesses star, who became a household name during England's memorable Euro 2022 campaign, confessed that behind the heroic saves and public celebrations lay a woman fighting a daily battle just to keep going.
The Weight of Expectation
'I was in pure survival mode, but barely surviving at all,' Earps revealed in an emotional interview that exposes the darker side of sporting success.
The Manchester United goalkeeper described feeling completely overwhelmed by the sudden fame and pressure that followed England's European Championship victory. What should have been a period of celebration instead became a test of endurance.
Behind the Glory
Earps spoke candidly about the disconnect between her public persona and private reality. While fans saw a confident, world-class athlete making crucial saves, the reality was far more complex.
'There were moments when the pressure felt absolutely crushing,' she admitted, highlighting how the mental toll often outweighed the physical demands of elite sport.
A Turning Point
The goalkeeper's journey serves as a powerful reminder that even the most successful athletes face internal battles that fans never see. Her decision to speak out marks a significant moment in women's football's growing conversation around mental health.
Earps now hopes her openness will help others in similar situations recognise that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
