‘Best in the world’ – Beth Mead slams Nike for not releasing Mary Earps goalkeeper shirt after World Cup heroics

Beth Mead has urged Nike to put the Lionesses’ goalkeeping jersey on sale – insisting ‘it shouldn’t be a debate’.

The manufacturing giants have come under pressure from Mary Earps and England supporters due to her World Cup kit not being available for purchase.

Earps has become a real England favourite during the World CupGetty

But fans still can’t buy her goalkeeper kit in shopsGetty

Mead has questioned why fans can’t buy Earps’ shirttalkSPORT

This came after the Manchester United shot-stopper won the Golden Glove award for her heroic displays at the World Cup, including a penalty save in the final with Spain.

Nike have since released a statement, saying: “Nike is committed to women’s football and we’re excited by the passion around this year’s tournament and the incredible win by the Lionesses to make it into the final.

“We are proudly offering the best of Nike innovation and services to our federation partners and hundreds of athletes.

“We hear and understand the desire for a retail version of a goalkeeper jersey and we are working towards solutions for future tournaments, in partnership with Fifa and the federations.

“The fact that there’s a conversation on this topic is testament to the continued passion and energy around the women’s game and we believe that’s encouraging.”

However according to England and Arsenal star Mead, there’s no excuses for not having Earps’ jersey on the market.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Mead said: “Me being a Nike athlete, you want to push.

“You want to get things better, you want to get things right.

Mead believes that there should be no debate over the kit’s availabilitygetty

“Why does Mary not have a shirt? She’s one of the most successful Lionesses right now.

“Are you saying that a goalkeeper’s not important within the team?

“Because Mary’s played such a big role in this competition and in the Euros before that.

“She’s the best in the world. If people want to buy her shirt then they need to make that possible – end of.

“It shouldn’t be a discussion or a debate, they need to make that possible.”