Chris Byfield
England goalkeeper Mary Earps’ replica shirts have sold out hours after going on sale.
England kit makers Nike finally allowed fans to buy the women’s home, away and third goalkeeper shirts through the FA website on Monday. While no formal announcement was made on their availability, all supplies sold out within hours.
Nike received criticism from fans and Earps during the Women’s World Cup in August, with the Lionesses’ outfield home and away kits available to buy, but not the goalkeeper kit, despite the Manchester United shot-stopper winning the Golden Glove at the tournament.
Nike originally defended the decision days after the final saying they were "working towards solutions for future tournaments", a decision which Earps called "hugely disappointing and very hurtful".
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However, the brand announced a U-turn less than a week later with a "limited" supply of shirts set to be available to purchase.
After news of the sell-out on Monday, Earps expressed her delight on Instagram posting on her stories: "Didn't realise these were going on sale today. And you've sold them out already!
"More are coming before the end of the year, and in more sizes for kids and adults - so stay tuned. Thank you all for your incredible support on this. You guys have made this happen."
The shirts were priced at £99.95 on the official Nike website, but amid the sell-out some have fetched almost double that figure on eBay.
Two shirts - one yellow and one pink - have been sold for some £199.99, while another two have both been sold for £159.99. Meanwhile, a fifth has gone for £174.99.
At the time of Nike’s original U-turn, former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch took to X, the social media platform formally known as Twitter, to question whether the "limited" run of kit would be enough to serve fans.
Couch said: "I find it extraordinary that a major brand got themselves into this pickle in the first place but now it will be very interesting to see what "limited quantity" means and if they come in all sizes, as I suspect a large number of fans of all ages & shapes will want one."
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