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Tensions and Resentments Exposed in England Women's Football Squad

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Mary Earps' autobiography, All In, has lifted the lid on the serious disagreements within the England women's football squad, revealing tensions and resentments that have been overlooked in favor of promoting a positive atmosphere in women's football. Earps criticizes England manager Sarina Wiegman and expresses her fury at being replaced as goalkeeper by Hannah Hampton, who she regards as a disruptive influence on the squad that won the 2022 European Championships. Earps' book also touches on her personal life, including her same-sex relationship and her experiences with controversy, including being nicknamed "Sweary Mary" for an outburst against a Spanish opponent during the 2023 World Cup final.

Key Takeaways:

  • England goalkeeper Mary Earps has written an autobiography, All In, which exposes tensions and resentments within the England women's football squad.
  • Earps criticizes England manager Sarina Wiegman and expresses her fury at being replaced as goalkeeper by Hannah Hampton.
  • Hampton, 24, was previously dropped from the England squad for attitude issues in 2022, but has since won several trophies with Chelsea and was outstanding for the Lionesses during the Euros this summer.
  • Earps claims Hampton had "risked derailing" England training sessions during the 2023 World Cup final and decided to retire only days before this summer's championships after Wiegman made it clear she would no longer be first choice goalkeeper.
  • Earps says she had told Wiegman "bad behaviour is being rewarded" after Hampton was selected in April 2024 and said it would not align with her "morals and values" to continue playing for England.
  • Earps has also spoken about her personal life, including her same-sex relationship and her experiences with controversy.
  • Hampton has been praised for her advocacy work, being presented with a special recognition award from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, after having several operations on her eyes when she was younger.

Statistics:

  • 2022: Hampton was dropped from the England squad for attitude issues.
  • 2023: Earps was nicknamed "Sweary Mary" for an outburst against a Spanish opponent during the World Cup final.
  • 2024: Earps received an MBE in 2024 and Hampton was selected as first choice goalkeeper over Earps.
  • 2024: Hampton had a conversation with Earps to try to change the situation, but Earps still decided to retire from the team.
  • 2022 European Championships: The England women's football team won the championship.
  • 2023 World Cup final: England lost to Spain in the final, with Earps being criticized for her outburst against a Spanish opponent.

Sources:

  • The Guardian, "Mary Earps: 'I'm still getting hate mail over my World Cup outburst'" (no date provided)
  • The Guardian, "Hannah Hampton: 'I've had to deal with abuse since being dropped from the England squad'" (no date provided)
  • UEFA, FA, "England Women's Squad" (no date provided)

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