Earps 'to become first female footballer to get a Madame Tussauds waxwork'

Mary Earps will reportedly become the first women's footballer to get lifelike waxwork statue at Madame Tussauds following a public vote.

The famous waxwork museum announced last year that one of the England women's national football team would be immortalised at the attraction.

Madame Tussauds made the pledge to honour the Lionesses following their performances at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Sariana Wiegman's team reached the final, but suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sydney.

England goalkeeper Earps has reportedly won a public vote to receive her own lifelike waxwork at the museum.

'The public vote was pretty comprehensive, Mary cleaned up,' a museum source told The Sun.

'She's a national icon and an inspiration, especially to young girls and aspiring footballers who admire her courage, pluck and sheer athletic talent.

'Her waxwork unveiling will be another big step for women's football after decades of only men getting the privilege.'

The outcome of the public vote, which closed last September, is expected to be made official in the coming weeks.

Earps has received a series of honours after her performances helped England reach the Women's World Cup final.

The 30-year-old was awarded the tournament's Golden Glove award, before scooping the Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper award for the second successive year.

Earps was also named BBC's Sports Personality of the Year in December.

The goalkeeper had famously forced Nike into a U-turn after the sportwear giant had initially refused to sell her shirt during the World Cup.

The Manchester United shot-stopper was one of eight nominees for the Madame Tussauds waxwork.

Alex Greenwood, Chloe Kelly, Lauren James, Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright were other contenders along with captain Leah Williamson, who missed the Women’s World Cup due to a knee injury.

Wiegman was also a nominee, after the England coach guided her side to the World Cup final.

Several footballers have been turned into waxworks by Madame Tussauds in the past, including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Mohamed Salah.

Earps' waxwork will be based in London, one of several Madame Tussauds' museums around the world.