England star Mary Earps issues brutally honest reality check after criticism ahead of Belgium clash
England star Mary Earps has admitted they can't bond with every fan ahead of Belgium clash
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England star Mary Earps has told fans it's getting harder to interact with them as the popularity of the women's game grows.
The Lionesses star was one of the heroes as they made the final of the Women's World Cup back in August.
Women's football is at an all-time high, with many from around the world starting to tune into the action.
Earlier this week, Earps condemned a 'hurtful' comment from a fan who had accused her of being 'too important' to speak with them after a match.
England star Mary Earps always tries her hardest to interact with football supporters
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The Manchester United star is known for going out of her way to interact with supporters.
But she's now issued a reality check to fans, insisting it's becoming harder to interact with them.
“Expectation of the team is obviously a huge compliment in terms of the way teams expect us to win and things like that,” Earps said.
"The accessibility people get to us as players is a hot topic of discussion.
"It’s something we as players are experiencing in a very different way in terms of the way the profile is changing.
"We love to interact with the fans, but it is becoming difficult to keep everyone happy and to interact with as many people as possible.
"We are so grateful that thousands and thousands of people want to come and meet us and talk to us but the reality is that if that is the expectation then we are always going to fall short.
"I think the emphasis on it needs to switch.
"We love that we can be so connected but we are subject to a lot of comments and at times it is an addition to the game we don’t need.
"We love it but it is becoming difficult to maintain that."
Earps has received backing from England defender Esme Morgan, who echoed her team-mates' comments.
"It's just not possible for us to get round everyone," Morgan said.
"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 are next in action against Belgium in the Nations League on Friday (7.45pm).
And Sarina Wiegman has confirmed Lauren James is set to miss the match through injury.
"Unfortunately, not everyone is fit. Lauren James is not ready," she said.
"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."
England go into the match on the back of a recent defeat to the Netherlands.
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England boss Sarina Wiegman is currently preparing for Belgium clash
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And Wiegman wants her side to bounce back and return to winning ways for the game in Leicester.
It has been alleged that he bet on AC Milan matches while playing for the famous Serie A side.
She added: "We always want to win. We know that expectations are high, but we have high expectations too.
"We lost the last game and are not happy with that. "We want to bounce back, play well against Belgium and have a good result."