MARY EARPS simply loves being part of an England squad.
The Reading Women goalkeeper had joined up with the national team for each of the past four camps after impressive club form last season.
However, Earps is currently not set to be part of the group which travels to the Euro 2017 finals this summer after boss Mark Sampson selected the trio of Karen Bardsley, Carly Telford and Siobhan Chamberlain instead when he announced the squad earlier this week.
But the Royals stopper could not hide her delight at being chosen for recent trips away with the Lionesses.
“It’s been unbelievable,” Earps told The Wokingham Paper.
“I’ve been called into the full senior squad maybe nine times now which has been brilliant.
“I’ve been involved for the last few consecutive camps and the opportunity to learn and be around some of the best players, not just in the country but in the world, is something I really, really enjoy.
“I’m learning all the time and I can’t speak highly enough of it to be honest.
“It’s a massive honour to be part of the team and I really enjoy the environment.”
She continued: “It’s challenging, it’s hard work but it’s brilliant.
“It’s the highest level. England finished third in the World Cup.
“They’re one of the top teams in the world at the moment and they’re going places.
“I’m really excited to be a part of it at the minute and I hope to continue to be a part of it going forward.”
Many were surprised to see Earps left out of Sampson’s squad this week, given her recent involvement with the group.
With three months still to go until Euro 2017, the keeper could still make the final 23 if somebody drops out.
But the 24-year-old acknowledges she has some tough competition ahead of her.
“I think it’s tough because there’s obviously goalkeepers ahead of me who have a lot of experience and they’re very good goalkeepers,” she said.
“I know that I’ve got a lot of hard work to do and I know that just because I’ve been at a few camps that doesn’t necessarily mean that I’m automatically going to get called up to the Euros.
“That’s as brutally honest as I can put it really.
“But I know that I’m working as hard I possibly can to be selected for every trip.
“I understand that there’s some very good players around so I’m just trying to focus on what I’m doing at Reading.”
She added: “I would absolutely love to go (to the Euros), but at the end of the day my focus for now is performing as best I can for Reading.
“I will definitely be keeping an eye on what happens with England whether I’m there or not because I want them to go and win.
“I would love to be there but I understand that I’ve got a long way to go as well.”
