Mary Earps, the celebrated goalkeeper who helped propel England to victory, harbored deep reservations about the direction of the team following her retirement. Her departure wasn’t simply a step back from international duty; it was a response to a growing unease regarding decisions made within the squad.
The heart of her concern centered on Hannah Hampton, the player chosen to succeed her. Earps believed Hampton’s recall to the Lionesses squad signaled a troubling precedent – a reward for conduct that actively undermined team harmony and professional standards.
Earps didn’t shy away from voicing her concerns directly to Sarina Wiegman, the team’s manager. During a crucial qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, she confronted Wiegman, expressing her disbelief that “bad behaviour is being rewarded.” The situation felt particularly jarring given the importance of the game.
The goalkeeper’s autobiography reveals a pattern of disruptive behavior from Hampton, described as frequently jeopardizing training sessions and straining team resources. This wasn’t a minor issue; Earps felt it created a “domino effect” that threatened the elite team environment they had painstakingly built.
As Hampton received more playing time, Earps felt a growing distance between herself and Wiegman. The decisions felt increasingly unjust, and she openly admitted to feeling tears welling up as her core values clashed with the manager’s choices.
The erosion of trust was particularly painful for Earps, who had dedicated herself entirely to the team and the job. She felt the strong connection she once shared with Wiegman was dissolving, replaced by a sense of betrayal and a lack of respect.
Ultimately, Wiegman’s decision to solidify Hampton’s position as the first-choice goalkeeper in April 2025 proved to be the breaking point. Earps announced her retirement, accusing Wiegman of dishonesty and a lack of transparency regarding the situation.
In a direct conversation with Wiegman, Earps expressed her “extreme disappointment,” stating the manager “could have been more direct and honest.” Wiegman’s response – that the decision was recent and communication had been open – struck Earps as insincere, dismissing it as “bulls*.”
Earps’ story isn’t just about a changing of the guard in goal; it’s a revealing account of the internal tensions and difficult choices that can fracture even the most successful teams. It’s a testament to the importance of integrity and the devastating impact of compromised values.
