The serialisation of Mary Earps’ autobiography has caused a stir within English women’s football, with her criticism of Sarina Wiegman and Hannah Hampton prompting strong reactions from fans and from Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor.
Was the PSG goalkeeper right to throw both under the bus as she did? Given that she has now retired from international duty, there will be no awkward England camps to navigate. It is perfectly natural for a player to express how she felt about certain situations in an autobiography, though it is unusual to do so before retiring completely.
What matters most is that Earps has described her version of events with Hannah Hampton. That is her personal view, not necessarily one shared by the rest of the squad.
Hampton’s disciplinary history is well documented, from her time in England’s youth teams to her spells at Aston Villa and with the senior national side. She was disciplined by both club and country before joining Chelsea.
Sonia Bompastor has since said she has had no issues with Hampton at Chelsea. That does not mean Earps’ account is false, rather that Hampton appears to have matured and reformed.
Earps’ accusation that Sarina Wiegman “rewarded bad behaviour” by recalling Hampton to the England squad seems harsh. The England manager was likely acting pragmatically, thinking about the long term and preparing for any potential dip in form from Earps.
Few would argue that Wiegman’s decision-making was flawed given the success at Euro 2025, and in truth, Earps’ pre-tournament retirement may have spared the squad from internal tensions.
It brings to mind Eric Cantona, who was afforded special treatment by Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United because of his unique influence on the pitch. Wiegman’s handling of Hampton could be viewed in a similar light, giving her space to thrive for the sake of team success.
Total harmony is not a prerequisite for victory. Spain won the World Cup despite open conflict between players and staff, while France’s dysfunction in the 2010s showed what happens when tensions are not managed. England’s ability to absorb internal friction and still win Euro 2025 demonstrates Wiegman’s skill in that regard.
Earps’ comments also highlight the competitive and often fragile dynamic within the goalkeeping group. It is never easy when those fighting for the same position clash publicly. Jens Lehmann wrote candidly about similar rivalries at Arsenal, and it is clear such conflicts rarely help team unity.
Yet England still triumphed with Earps at Euro 2022 and with Hampton in 2025.
Ultimately, this may all prove to be a storm in a teacup.
Earps’ forthrightness is nothing new. When she joined Birmingham City Ladies, she demanded the No 1 shirt immediately before leaving a year later for Bristol.
Like many elite athletes, neither she nor her peers are angels or villains. They are simply competitors, driven by ambition and pride, and that edge has served England well.