Controversy in Women’s Football
The football world is currently buzzing with controversy involving two notable goalkeepers from the England women’s national team: Mary Earps and her successor Hannah Hampton. This situation escalated when excerpts from Earps’ forthcoming autobiography, titled “All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me,” were published in The Guardian ahead of its release on November 6.
Criticism and Accolades
In these excerpts, Earps did not hold back, criticizing her former manager Sarina Wiegman — who had previously reinstated her to the Lionesses after her earlier dismissal — as well as specifically targeting Hampton, the No. 1 goalkeeper who recently achieved significant accolades including saving two penalties in the Euro 2025 final and winning the inaugural Women’s Yashin Trophy.
Earps expressed her belief that Hampton’s return to the national squad after Euro 2022 represented a troubling precedent in which “bad behavior” would be rewarded. This alludes to a period in 2022 when Hampton faced criticism for her actions during team training, though Earps refrained from sharing specific examples. Instead, she labeled the situation as “bull——” and voiced her disappointment in Wiegman’s management style, suggesting a lack of direct communication.
Mixed Reactions
Despite this, it was interesting to note that earlier in her book, Earps seemed to praise Wiegman for establishing a zero-tolerance policy on misbehavior, creating a culture that proactively addressed harmful actions among the team. The recent exchange has prompted discussions about the professionalism and development of 24-year-old Hampton, particularly following her transfer to Chelsea, where she was reportedly working diligently to improve her on-field conduct and performance.
Comments from current Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor emphasized Hampton’s growth and respect for her professionalism, contrasting sharply with Earps’ more critical remarks. Bompastor stated that it is crucial to uphold respect among teammates, especially towards a coach with Wiegman’s accolades. Her support for Hampton was evident after the goalkeeper delivered an outstanding performance in a recent match, further highlighting the divide between the two players.
Earps’ Response
Earps also took to social media, expressing her frustration over the portrayal of her comments and asserting that her narrative should not be reduced to simple drama. She conveyed her intent to share her profound experiences through her book, which dives into her wider struggles, including mental health, relationships, and career challenges. Future discussions about her book may include deeper insights regarding her career, such as her pivotal moments during Euro 2022 and her tenure at Manchester United.
Implications for the Future
As a prominent figure in women’s football, specifically after her remarkable feats including a World Cup Golden Glove and record clean sheets, the timing of Earps’ claims against Hampton has been called into question. While some regard her approach as a necessary self-disclosure, others see it as an ill-timed, classless attack that may detract from the accomplishments of both players.
Amidst growing debates surrounding the implications of Earps’ revelations and public community reactions, what remains clear is that the ramifications of this clash could reshape their reputations and relationships both on and off the pitch, as the football community anticipates the full release of Earps’ autobiography and its further repercussions.
