Former England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps has revealed in her new autobiography ‘All In’, that she took a stand against ‘bad behaviour being rewarded’ when fellow goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was brought back into the England squad. In her book, which is exclusively published by The Guardian, Earps alleges that Hampton’s off-pitch conduct during England’s Euro 2022 win often risked disrupting training sessions and putting a strain on team resources.
When asked to provide more details about the disruptive behaviour, Earps responded: “I don’t want to go into the specifics because it’s not my place… She is a very good goalkeeper and I’ve tried to draw a line under all that. “I have messaged her privately to say: ‘Look, no bad blood.'”
Back in October 2022, Hampton was reportedly dropped from the England squads due to her behaviour and attitude at team camps. When questioned about this decision, manager Sarina Wiegman chose not to elaborate, stating: “She has to do something personal that I would not like to comment on. “
The Chelsea goalkeeper later opened up about how these reports affected her and confessed that she considered leaving football. “It was harder to find that fight in me to prove people wrong, but somehow I managed it,” she admitted to Elle in June.
“I had all my friends and my family around me at the time to guide me in the right direction and keep me going. It’s worked out for the best – I’ve got a lot to thank them for. “
Hampton, who also played for Aston Villa and Birmingham City, earned a recall to the England squad in 2023, with Earps disclosing in her autobiography that Wiegman sought her counsel before making the decision. Hampton appeared in several fixtures during April 2024, as Wiegman disclosed she had intended to play her in a Euros qualifier. “I don’t get it,” Earps revealed she informed Wiegman. “It’s a qualifier match. And bad behaviour is being rewarded.”
Twelve months on, Hampton emerged as Wiegman’s preferred goalkeeper – a decision that led Earps to sensationally quit international football before this year’s Euros in Switzerland. The Lionesses successfully defended their crown with Hampton playing a pivotal part in their triumph.
In her memoir, due for publication next week, the former Lioness candidly discusses the harsh criticism she endured from coaches during her youth and the devastating emotional struggles she battled throughout lockdown. Earps confesses to ‘wolfing down biscuits rather than proper meals’ and consuming excessive amounts of vodka.
