Mary Earps awarded honorary degree by her university

Mary Earps said she was "proud" to be part of a growth in women's football

England goalkeeper Mary Earps has been awarded an honorary doctorate at the university where she studied.

The Lioness said it was "pretty incredible" to receive the recognition from Loughborough University.

The 30-year-old said she was "proud" to be part of a growth in women's football and hoped future generations would benefit even further.

European champion Earps had earlier had a tram named after her in her home city of Nottingham.

Earps was part of the team that won the UEFA Women's European Championships in 2022 and only lost in the final of the World Cup this year.

She was voted BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2023 and has been nominated for the 2023 BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Earps was voted BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2023 after European and World Cup success

"To be awarded an honorary doctorate is pretty incredible," she said.

"It's great to be part of the growth of women's football. Many people have come before us and we've stood on their shoulders and benefited from that.

"Hopefully, future generations will equally benefit from what we've achieved in this time."

Earps gained a degree in information management and business studies from Loughborough in 2016.

Prof Nick Jennings, vice-chancellor and president of Loughborough University, said: "Mary's contribution to women's football has been nothing short of extraordinary.

"She consistently performs brilliantly at the very highest level, inspiring both peers and future generations."