England players advised not to discuss Mary Earps amid ongoing rift with Hannah Hampton
England players “will be told not to discuss Mary Earps” as the rift with fellow goalkeeper Hannah Hampton persists, reports BritPanorama.
Both Earps and Hampton made history as part of the England women’s football team that secured victory in the European Championship. Earps, who won the competition in 2022, was replaced by manager Sarina Wiegman in 2025, with Wiegman opting for the younger Hampton.
In her autobiography, Earps recounted a major disagreement with Wiegman over what she perceived as “disruptive behaviour.” The former first-choice keeper and Golden Glove recipient at the 2023 World Cup alleged that Hampton had been “unreliable” and had frequently risked derailing training sessions during Euro 2022.
Following Wiegman’s decision to reintegrate Hampton in spring 2023, Earps expressed to Wiegman that she believed this move was “rewarding bad behaviour,” leading to a breakdown in trust. This discord was a significant factor in Earps’ international retirement in May 2025, just before the European Championships.
As Earps prepares for her UK return to face Manchester United in the Champions League, reports suggest that her former teammates will be advised against mentioning her, due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
The reactions to Earps’ retirement have been varied, with some teammates offering support. Defender Jess Carter praised her “bravery,” while captain Leah Williamson expressed feeling “devastated” about her departure. Meanwhile, Wiegman is expected to address the media ahead of England’s match against China on November 29.
Earps, 31, also shared news of her personal life, indicating she is in a “really happy relationship” in her upcoming memoir, “All In,” scheduled for release on November 6. In this book, she aims to provide readers with deeper insights into her life beyond football.
This episode serves as a reminder of the complexity surrounding team dynamics, particularly in high-stakes environments where personal and professional lines often blur, as the Lionesses continue to navigate the aftermath of their recent controversies.
