"Saved us so many times" - Former Man City star praises Man Utd goalkeeper after Wembley tears

A dejected Mary Earps after England conceded the second goal in Friday's win over Netherlands. Cr. Getty ImagesA dejected Mary Earps after England conceded the second goal in Friday's win over Netherlands. Cr. Getty Images
A dejected Mary Earps after England conceded the second goal in Friday's win over Netherlands. Cr. Getty Images | Getty Images
Keira Walsh defended Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps after a rare error from the Man Utd stopper in the 3-2 win over Netherlands on Friday.

Former Manchester City midfielder Keira Walsh has leaped to the defence of England goalkeeper Mary Earps after her error in the win over Netherlands.

The Manchester United goalkeeper could be seen crying in the aftermath of the Lionesses' 3-2 win over Netherlands at Wembley on Friday and was visibly distraught during her post match interview after a rare error gifted the Dutch their second goal.

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"Mary has saved us in so many situations. Even me in the World Cup final, I gave away a penalty and she saved it," explained Walsh.

"For me, she has always been there in the big moments for us so she really doesn't need to take that on herself. It has to go past 10 players before it gets to her, there was numerous mistakes leading up to that one, so she doesn't need to put it on herself" added the Barca star.

England's first half display in Friday's win over the Dutch meant they had to come back to two goals down as Ella Toone notched a 90th minute winner at the home of English football. Despite the win BBC Women's Footballer of the Year could be shedding tears as she was consoled by head coach Sarina Wiegman at full time.

Despite that remarkable comeback, England head into Tuesday's final group against Scotland at Hampden Park knowing they need to win by four goals or more to top the group, unless the Netherlands drop points against Belgium.

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If England are to top the group though, it could see a number of players from both sides head to the Olympics next year as part of Team GB. However, Walsh admitted the team's focus is solely on tomorrow's game.

"She's (Earps) in good spirits now and was making jokes about it so I think she's in a good space and she knows what she has to do in the game tomorrow. Mary's delivered before so I am pretty sure she will do it again" added the Lionesses midfielder.

"We're always confident and we go out to win every game but I think it kind of shows our attacking players are in good and they can score in those big moments. It isn't easy when you're 2-0 down to score three goals. I think that is a big feat. It gives us the confidence that we go out and create those opportunities tomorrow.

"We always have the confidence in ourselves that we can go out and win the game" added the Barcelona star.

The Lionesses take on Pedro Martinez Losa's Scotland at Hampden Park tomorrow, with kick off scheduled for 7.45pm.

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