TIME TO PAW IT ON

Earps tells Lionesses: We’re better than this and now we have to raise our game

- NEIL MOXLEY

MARY EARPS says the Lionesses must raise their game if they want to progress in the World Cup.

The straight-talking keeper shot from the lip last week with her public condemnation of sportswear giants Nike over their refusal to sell replica women's goalkeeping shirts.

The England squad was on message after the final whistle of their 1-0 Group D opener on Saturday, paying tribute to opponents Haiti.

But Earps suggested that the performance was patchy.

Indeed, the England keeper needed to be alert in the final few minutes as the European champions clung onto Georgia Stanway's retaken penalty.

And, while accepting the importance of the result, the woman voted FIFA's best keeper this year, conceded: "It was a mixed bag.

"We had moments when we connected really well but I think there are a few kinks to be ironed out.