England goalkeeper Mary Earps admits it is “becoming difficult to keep everybody happy” as demands on the players continue to grow.
European champions England have become hot property, particularly following their run to the World Cup final in August, and how they interact with supporters continues to be a source of debate.
The situation came to a head at last month’s clash with Scotland in Sunderland when chants of “get off the bus” were heard when the players got straight on the team coach after the game rather than greet those that waited for an autograph and a selfie.
Although Manchester United star Earps relishes the women’s game’s increasing popularity, she concedes levels of fan interaction is an issue.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Nations League clash with Belgium in Leicester, she said: “Expectation is a huge compliment. The accessibility to us as players is a hot topic. We are experiencing it in in a very different way with the profile of the game changing. We love to interact with fans.
“But it is becoming difficult to keep everybody happy. We are grateful that thousands want to see us, but if that is the expectation we will always fall short. The emphasis needs to switch now.”
Belgium up next 👊 #Lionesses | @NuffieldHealth pic.twitter.com/NfDkMPhr8J
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) October 26, 2023
Defender Esme Morgan added: “It’s just not possible for us to get round everyone.
“You can’t please everyone and you always remember that one person who wasn’t happy with you as opposed to all the people whose day you made and they were really grateful.
“We love being able to go over and make someone’s day and see how excited people get but with the growth of the game now it’s just not really realistic and feasible for us to get round and see everyone.”
England will be without Chelsea’s Lauren James for the Belgium clash.
Coach Sarina Wiegman said: “Unfortunately, not everyone is fit. Lauren James is not ready.
“Lauren picked up a concussion and we have to be careful with that, using the correct protocols. This turnaround is too short for upcoming games.”
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