10. September 2025

Wiegman stands by decisions amid Earps' criticism over England goalkeeping call

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‘That’s her book’ - Wiegman responds to Earps’ criticism

Sarina Wiegman says she does not believe she “would have acted differently” despite criticism from Mary Earps over the England manager’s choice of starting goalkeeper at Euro 2025.

The former England goalkeeper claims in her autobiography that she told Wiegman she was rewarding “inappropriate conduct” when Hannah Hampton was recalled to the squad after previously being dropped for being “disruptive and unreliable.

Earps’ views in her book have come under scrutiny, with Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor among those defending Hampton and Wiegman.

The 32-year-old announced her surprise retirement from international football just five weeks before England began their European Championship defense in Switzerland.

Wiegman—who has twice guided England to Euro titles—confirmed she had not spoken to the Paris St-Germain player since her book was published.

“We had a very strong goalkeeper unit, and the two were competing for the number one spot. I think I would have done exactly the same thing,” Wiegman said when asked if she had learned anything from the situation.

“We communicated regularly. As always, we tried to support them in the best possible way, and I can’t control how that is perceived.

“There are always lessons to be learned, but in the bigger picture, I don’t think I would have changed anything.”

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Wiegman said she “can’t control” what Earps says or feels about her decisions, but the England coach emphasized she made choices to give the team the best chance of success.

England will face China at Wembley Stadium on 29 November before hosting Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium on 2 December.

The media conference to announce her squad was dominated by questions about Earps, and Wiegman joked it would be “nice to talk about football.

The return of Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp and midfielder Grace Clinton are the headline stories in Wiegman’s 25-player squad for the friendly matches.

But the former Netherlands coach acknowledged that dealing with adversity is part of her high-profile role.

“Of course, you hope everything is always positive, but that’s not how it works in football when you’re so visible,” she said.

“It’s just the situation, and you try to handle it in the most positive way possible—solve what needs to be solved and move forward.

“I make decisions based on what I think is best for the team in the next camp or tournament—and I make decisions to win.”

Wiegman was also asked if she was disappointed that Earps said her bond with the Lionesses manager was “destroyed” and her “trust and respect was fading.

“I don’t think I can change that. All I try to be is honest and maintain a good working relationship—which I believe we had,” she added.

“I can’t control other things. I just stick to what I want to do, how I want to do it, and try to be as clear and honest as possible when making decisions to win.

“I always keep individual conversations private. I share things here [with the media], but when I speak to players one-on-one, those discussions remain confidential because that builds trust.

“If I do that, players will come to me and talk openly. That’s my approach. We create an environment where people can be themselves.”

Chelsea goalkeeper Hampton is not in the squad for England’s final two matches of the year after suffering a thigh injury.

The 24-year-old won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards and was one of the standout performers at Euro 2025.

Wiegman confirmed she had spoken with Hampton following the release of Earps’ book but declined to disclose details of their conversation.

“I spoke to Hannah. I regularly communicate with players between camps anyway. Unfortunately, she’s injured now. But yes, I did speak to her,” Wiegman added.

“As always, the content of that conversation will remain private.”

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I’ve not written book to tear anyone down - Earps

Sarina Wiegman and Mary Earps (centre, left and right) won Euro 2022 together

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