England goalkeeper Mary Earps admits she ‘let the team down’ following her mistake against the Netherlands and that it will ‘haunt’ her for a ‘long time’.
The stand-in captain was at fault for the Netherlands’ second goal and was seen leaving the pitch in tears.
The Lionesses battled back from two goals down to win the Women’s Nations League match 3-2 but were unable to win by two clear goals – which leaves Team GB’s hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Olympics hanging in the balance.
Speaking after the match, Earps was distraught with her error and said: ‘I thought the girls were unbelievable.
‘To come back like that. I thought they were unbelievable. The subs came on and impacted the game. I’m sorry my performance cost the girls like that.’
Asked what went through her head as the Netherlands’ second goal went in, she added: ‘Words I definitely can’t say on TV.
‘That will haunt me for a long time. I’ve really let the team down today. I’m really gutted.
‘It could have been a really special night at Wembley. The team were unbelievable. The way they moved the ball around. The tenacity. The girls were phenomenal.’
Meanwhile, England boss Sarina Wiegman has defended Earps and said: ‘I don’t want her to talk like that, because you win as a team and lose as a team.
‘She didn’t let the team down. Everyone does their best. You only let your team down when you don’t put effort in.’
MORE : ‘It is ironic really’ – Lionesses must beat Scotland for Team GB to reach 2024 Olympics
