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Doncaster Rovers Belles signed 18-year-old Earps immediately before the start of the inaugural 2011 season of the FA WSL. Belles manager John Buckley was pleased to secure her services: "She has outstanding potential and a very bright future ahead of her."[11] Earps began to play regularly in the second part of the 2011 season, then joined Coventry City on loan during the off-season.[12]
In June 2018, Earps joined defending Bundesliga champions VfL Wolfsburg.[16] She made her debut on 8 September 2018 in a 11–0 win over Hannover 96 in the DFB-Pokal second round. The team won their third consecutive domestic double during the 2018–19 season.
On 12 July 2019, after one season in Germany, Earps returned to England to sign for newly promoted Manchester United ahead of the 2019–20 season.[17] Earps made her debut for Manchester United against Manchester City in the FA WSL on 7 September 2019, a 1–0 loss in the inaugural Manchester derby.[18] She kept her first clean sheet for the club on 28 September 2019 in a 2–0 win over Liverpool, the club's first FA WSL victory. On 26 February 2021, Earps signed a new deal with Manchester United until 2023 with the option of a further year.[19] Earps kept 14 league clean sheets, a new WSL record, during the 2022–23 Women's Super League season as she won the golden glove and Manchester United finished a club-record best 2nd-place, qualifying for the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time as a result.[20] She also helped the club to reached a major cup final for the first time, losing 1–0 to Chelsea in the final at Wembley Stadium.[21]
In October 2023, Earps came fifth in Ballon d'Or voting. It was the highest a goalkeeper had placed since the female award was introduced in 2018. The previous best was 12th achieved by both Christiane Endler and Sari van Veenendaal.[22] On 7 November 2023, she was awarded the Billy Seymour Impact Award at the 2023 Northwest Football Awards a recognition for her significant positive effect on football in the region.[23][24] In November 2023, she was named both the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year and BBC Women's Footballer of the Year.[25][26]
On 29 June 2024, Manchester United confirmed Earps had left the club upon the expiry of her contract.[27]
In June 2017, Earps was called up to England's training camp for UEFA Women's Euro 2017 as a fourth-choice goalkeeper.[34] On 11 June 2017 she won her first senior cap in a 4–0 friendly win over Switzerland in Biel.[35] She had her first senior start in September 2018, in a 6–0 victory over Kazakhstan.[36]
On 17 September 2021, Earps was named as the starting goalkeeper in Sarina Wiegman's first game as England manager, her first Lionesses appearance since November 2019. England beat North Macedonia 8–0 as part of 2023 World Cup qualifying. Having remained as Wiegman's first choice goalkeeper starting in eight of her first 11 matches, Earps was included in the England squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2022 in June 2022.[39] She played every minute of all six games during the campaign as England won the Euros for the first time.[40] Earps conceded twice, keeping four clean sheets, the joint most tied with fellow finalist Merle Frohms of Germany, and was named to the Team of the Tournament.[41][42]
Earps was allotted 198 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England's inaugural international.[43][44]
On 6 April 2023, Earps saved a penalty in a penalty shootout against Brazil to help win England the inaugural Women's Finalissima.[45]
On 31 May 2023, Earps was named in the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in July 2023.[43] On 21 July 2023, Earps complained that fans at the World Cup could not buy a replica shirt with her name on it because supplier Nike had decided not to manufacture one.[46] During the World Cup, she played every minute of all seven matches, conceding four goals, three from open play, and keeping three clean sheets.[47] During England's 1–0 defeat to Spain in the final on 20 August, Earps saved a penalty from Jennifer Hermoso in the 68th minute. She was awarded the Golden Glove for the tournament.[47] On 19 September 2023, Earps was named England Women's Player of the Year for the 2022–23 season.[48]
On 27 May 2025, after making 53 senior England appearances across eight years, Earps announced her retirement from international football, saying: "This is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive."[50] Shortly before Earps' announcement, Wiegman had stated that Hannah Hampton had moved ahead of Earps for the number one goalkeeper spot for England as they prepared for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament.
Earps grew up in West Bridgford, Nottingham and attended The Becket School.[52][failed verification] Her footballing journey started when she was aged 10 at West Bridgford Colts, where she realised she had a particular knack for goalkeeping. As part of the "Where Greatness Is Made" campaign, a plaque honouring Earps was installed at West Bridgford F.C. in Nottingham.[53]
Between 2012 and 2016, Earps earned a degree in Information Management and Business Studies from Loughborough University.[54] In December 2023, she received an honorary doctorate from Loughborough – "Doctor of the University" – for services to sport.[55]
In November 2024, Earps became the first female professional footballer to have a waxwork figure of her go on display at Madame Tussauds in London after coming top in a public vote.[59][60]
