The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 has just begun but English fans cannot purchase the replica shirt worn by their team’s goalkeeper, Mary Earps.
According to the Daily Mail, Nike’s decision not to sell goalkeeper shirts is part of the company’s commercial strategy, although Earps pointed out that her Manchester United shirt sold out last season and was the third best-selling overall. The tabloid newspaper also added, however, that “this isn’t just a Nike problem,” pointing out that Adidas for example is not selling goalkeeper shirts either.
Earps – named the world’s top goalkeeper at last year’s FIFA Best awards – told reporters in Brisbane that Nike’s decision was disappointing and hurtful. The 30-year-old player also pointed to the risk that Nike’s decision might send out a message that goalkeepers are not important, since replica shirts for teammates who fill other positions on the pitch are available at retail.
England played their opening match against Haiti on Saturday July 22, which they won 1-0.
Image source: England Football
