Ex-England Goalkeeper Mary Earps Defends Autobiography Amid Backlash Over Comments on National Team Replacements

Mary Earps, former England goalkeeper and current Paris Saint-Germain player, has defended her autobiography amid backlash over comments about Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Extracts published by the Guardian revealed Earps criticized Wiegman for rewarding "bad behaviour" by recalling Hampton, who had initially been dropped for being "disruptive and unreliable." Earps stated that her remarks have been distorted and taken out of context, emphasizing she did not write the book to "tear anyone down." Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, who coaches Hampton, defended her player, praising her response and expressing that Wiegman had been disrespected. Earps also expressed frustration over how women's football has become treated like entertainment, leading to personal lives being scrutinized for amusement. She acknowledged she might view some things differently with hindsight but stands by her integrity and intentions.