🔗 Share this article

Goalkeeper Mary Earps has publicly stated that her newly released personal story was not created to “tear anyone down” and voiced unease that media response has been “misinterpreted.”

Debated Statements and Public Criticism

The former England goalkeeper, who played a key role in the tournament success, encountered disapproval from fans and Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor after commenting about ex-colleague Hannah Hampton and manager Sarina Wiegman.

In her book, Earps allegedly stated told Wiegman she was “supporting poor attitude” by recalling Hampton to the Lionesses lineup after dropping her for being “disruptive and unreliable.”

“I’ve found it quite intense to see how certain aspects were twisted,” Earps shared in an interview.

Clarifying Her Purpose

Earps strongly emphasized that her book was never intended to damage anyone.

• “My memoir wasn’t created to damage reputations in any way whatsoever.”
• “That isn’t my personality as a individual.”
• “This is real life. It has repercussions. It is not a show.”

She also commented on how women’s football has evolved into a realm that has become “somewhat similar to show business,” where private matters are analyzed in detail for public amusement.

Relationship with Wiegman

Earps discussed losing her spot as the first-choice keeper ahead of the tournament and how that affected their dynamic with Wiegman.

She stated it was “not a rapid decline” in their connection—just a difference of perspectives—and she maintains respect for the manager.

“Certain events that took place at that time that I wish had happened differently,” Earps added.

Private Challenges

In her memoir, Earps discussed openly the harassment she endured at in her younger years, describing it as a “extremely difficult” part to read again because it reawakened past pain.

• “I didn’t stand up back then.”
• “I just assumed that people didn’t like me for most of my life.”
• “I was trained to feel like people were indifferent.”

These feelings led to stress outbreaks, and Earps shared she had issues with physical appearance and resorted to drinking during the global health crisis to manage mental health struggles.

Relationships and Goals

Earps openly discussed that she is in a same-sex relationship and stated she is proud about her relationship.

She also mentioned her wish to have children and revealed she has frozen her eggs for future use.

“I really want to be a parent and have a family of my own,” Earps commented. “I am passionate about soccer, but I aspire to have a child at a later stage.”

Earps portrayed the medical treatment as “intense and intrusive” and advocated for more studies tailored to athletes undergoing comparable treatments.

Throughout the interview, Earps emphasized that she has no second thoughts about her sports path or personal choices, emphasizing that she always behaved honestly.