Mary Earps, a former England and Manchester United goalkeeper, has spoken out about her protest against what she perceived as the rewarding of ‘bad behavior’ when her rival goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, was brought back into the England squad. Earps detailed these concerns in her newly released autobiography, ‘All In’, exclusively published by The Guardian. In the book, she highlighted Hampton’s disruptive behavior during England’s Euro 2022 triumph, which she believed had the potential to disrupt training sessions and strain team dynamics.
Despite being asked about the specifics of Hampton’s behavior, Earps chose not to delve into details, stating that it was not her place to disclose them. She emphasized Hampton’s goalkeeping skills and indicated that she had reached out to Hampton privately to resolve any animosity between them.
In October 2022, reports emerged that Hampton had been excluded from England squads due to her conduct at team camps. When questioned about this decision later on, manager Sarina Wiegman declined to provide further details, citing personal reasons.
Following the controversy, Hampton expressed feelings of considering quitting football due to the negative impact on her morale. However, with the support of her friends and family, she persevered and found the strength to continue. Hampton’s resilience was evident as she was eventually reinstated in the England squad in 2023, with Wiegman consulting Earps before making the decision.
Despite Earps’ reservations, Hampton became Wiegman’s primary goalkeeper, leading to Earps’ decision to retire from international football just before the Euros in Switzerland. Hampton played a pivotal role in England’s retention of the trophy.
Earps’ upcoming biography delves into her personal struggles, including criticisms she faced as a young player and the challenges she encountered during lockdown, where she admits to unhealthy eating habits and excessive drinking.
In a separate development, Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming 2025/26 season, offering substantial savings and an increased number of live matches across various leagues, including the Premier League. Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League games next season, a significant increase from previous coverage.