Mary Earps: Nike announces Nottingham-born England goalkeeper’s shirts will go on sale

Football fans will be able to buy a replica shirt of Nottingham-born England goalkeeper Mary Earps after Nike said “limited quantities” would go on sale.

The kit manufacturer has faced criticism for not selling the shot-stoppers jersey.

More than 160,000 people signed a petition calling for Nike to reverse their decision.

Earps has previously said it was “hugely disappointing and very hurtful” that the tops were not available for fans, family and friends to purchase.

In a statement, Nike said it has “secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys to be sold”.

Earps, who grew up in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, began her career at West Bridgford Colts aged 10.

The 30-year-old, who saved a penalty in England’s 1-0 defeat at the Women’s World Cup final against Spain, won the tournament’s Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper and is regarded as one of the top shot-stoppers in world football.

In a U-turn, Nike acknowledged it failed to respond to demand during the tournament.

A spokesperson for the sportswear giant said: “We’ve seen and share the unprecedented passion and interest in women’s football this year and remain committed to playing our part by offering the best products and services to athletes and fans.

“We invested more in this year’s World Cup than any other global tournament to date.

“Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, U.S., France, and the Netherlands to be sold through the federation websites over the coming days, and we are also in conversations with our other federation partners.

“We recognise that during the tournament we didn’t serve those fans who wished to show their passion and support to the squad’s goalkeepers.

“We are committed to retailing women’s goalkeeping jerseys for major tournaments in the future.”

In response to the announcement, Earps posted on Instagram: “@Nike is this your version of an apology/taking accountability/a powerful statement of intent?”

The men’s England goalkeeper shirt is also not available through the England Store but can be bought from other retailers.