England Lioness Mary Earps becomes first female footballer with Madame Tussauds wax figure

England star Mary Earps has become the first professional female footballer to be honoured with wax figure at Madame Tussauds in London.

The 31-year-old goalkeeper played a crucial role in the Lionesses' triumph at the 2022 European Championships and their appearance in the 2023 World Cup final.

Her selection for the waxwork honour came after a public vote, where she received an "overwhelming majority" of support.

Earps, who served as vice-captain during the World Cup and won the Golden Glove award for the tournament's best goalkeeper, described being recognised as "a great feeling."

“It’s a special feeling to be a trailblazer. I think it’s something that means a lot to me,” she said.

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year winner joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last month, following her departure from Manchester United after five years with the club.

Her waxwork will debut to the public this autumn. She joins icons who have helped to shape British culture in the zone such as Sir David Attenborough, Emmeline Pankhusrt, Sir Lewis Hamilton, William Shakespeare and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

"I’ve enjoyed being part of this process with Madame Tussauds London and really looking forward to seeing the final result," said Earps.

"I’m so thankful to the fans for the vote, I hope they will be excited to see my figure and will take loads of selfies – I can’t wait to be tagged in the posts!"