Nike issue new statement on Mary Earps kit controversy after Golden Glove win

England fans are unlikely to force a U-turn on the decision not to sell replica Mary Earps goalkeeper shirts with Nike saying they will only look into the matter ‘for future tournaments’.

The Lionesses fell to a 1-0 defeat against Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final in Sydney, with Olga Carmona’s excellent first-half strike deciding the contest – though in truth La Roja dominated the contest far more than the scoreline suggested.

Jennifer Hermoso had the opportunity to double Spain’s advantage from the penalty spot in the 69th minute but she was denied by the excellent Earps, who guessed the right way and devoured the ball.

Although England were on the losing team, the Manchester United keeper was excellent in the final – just as she has been throughout the entire tournament.

She was rewarded for her performances with the World Cup Golden Glove award, the latest accolade to add to her growing collection after being named Best Fifa Women’s Goalkeeper last year.

Despite Earps being one of the best players in the world, fans cannot buy her replica England shirt because kit manufacturer Nike have not made it available for sale.

That decision was described as ‘hugely hurtful’ by Earps, who even offered to pay for the shirts herself, while her excellent performance in Sunday’s final reignited calls from supporters for Nike to change their stance.

But Nike look set to ignore the fresh calls to start producing Earps’ England goalkeeper shirt and have only offered to look at addressing the matter for future tournaments.

A statement on Sunday read: ‘Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.

‘We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.

‘We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with Fifa and the federations.

‘The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.’

Speaking about Nike’s decision, Earps said last month: ‘I can’t really sugarcoat this any way so I’m not going to try, it’s hugely disappointing and very hurtful.

‘For my own family, friends and loved ones not to be able to buy my shirt, they’re just going to come out and wear normal clothes. All my team-mates, they’ve ordered a lot of shirts for their friends and family, they’re talking at the dinner table “I wasn’t able to get this” and I’m saying “I wasn’t able to get it at all”.

‘I know there’s a lot of people who have spent a tremendous amount of money on outfield shirts and then put ‘1 Earps’ on the back, which doesn’t sit well with me either. It’s a very scary message that’s being sent to goalkeepers worldwide that “you’re not important”. It’s something that I’ve been fighting behind closed doors. I’ve been desperately trying to find a solution with the FA and with Nike.’

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