England goalkeeper Mary Earps shines in World Cup opener against Haiti

Nike executives have missed a trick in not producing replica shirts of England goalkeeper Mary Earps, who was a major factor in the Lionesses’ 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening Women’s World Cup match. Manchester United’s No.1 was a major factor in England’s Euro ‘22 triumph and she wasted no time in continuing that fine form in the Group D match with the supposed minnows from Haiti.

It was a patchy performance from Sarina Wiegman’s team and they needed a retaken penalty from Georgia Stanway to seal the victory. Haiti, who had to train in the Dominican Republic because of troubles at home, were dangerous on the counter-attack and were foiled on three occasions as Earps sprang to the rescue.

Much has been made of the Lionesses failing to score from open play in their last four outings, including a behind-closed-doors affair with Canada, but they have only conceded once in their last seven games – a 1-1 draw with Brazil in the Finalissima (which they won on penalties). Once again, that’s largely down to the reliable Earps who is living up to her Mary Queen of Stops nickname and long may she reign.

Cast our mind back 12 months and England were not on top form as they began their Euros campaign with a 1-0 win against Austria 1-0 which lacked their usual pizzazz. Their next outing was an 8-0 romp against Norway which was followed by the 5-0 victory over Northern Ireland. Denmark are expected to keep matters tight at the back but if the Lionesses produce a little more quality and ruthlessness in the penalty area they can run out comfortable winners and it will be full steam ahead into the knockout stages.

Stanway is the choice as first goalscorer at 8/1 with Betway, while Rachel Daly is 8/5 with Betfair to make the scoreboard tick over at some stage in the game. England are 24/5 with SpreadEx to win 2-0 with Earps keeping another clean sheet.

Melchie Dumornay is 24/5 with William Hill to score at any time for Haiti in their match with China. King of Steel, the impressive winner of the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, won’t be inconvenienced by any rain at the Berkshire track and can reverse Derby placing with Auguste Rodin to win the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at 7/2 with Ladbrokes and Coral.

Mary Earps is already trending as one of the stars of the tournament and if England can produce a little more quality and ruthlessness in the penalty area they can run out comfortable winners and it will be full steam ahead into the knockout stages. Nike take note!