England manager Sarina Wiegman has stood firm on her goalkeeper selections, insisting she “would have done exactly the same thing” despite Mary Earps’ criticism in her autobiography All In. The former Lionesses No. 1 accused Wiegman of “rewarding bad behaviour” by recalling Hannah Hampton—previously dropped for being “disruptive and unreliable”—and making her first-choice ahead of Euro 2025. Earps, who retired internationally in May 2025 just before the tournament, claimed the handling left her trust in Wiegman “evaporating.” Wiegman, speaking on November 18, 2025, while naming her squad for friendlies against China (November 29, 5:30pm GMT, Wembley) and Ghana (December 2, St Mary’s), emphasized decisions prioritize the team, not individuals. With Hampton sidelined by a quad injury, the debate underscores England’s depth—and Tuchel’s (wait, Wiegman’s) unflinching meritocracy as the Lionesses eye the 2026 World Cup.
Key Points
- Wiegman: “Behaviour is key—respect teammates. Would do the same again.”
- Earps’ claims: Told Wiegman “bad behaviour rewarded” over Hampton recall (April 2024).
- Hampton: Starred at Euro 2025 (defended title; penalty saves in final vs Spain); Yashin Trophy winner 2025.
- Earps retirement: May 2025, pre-Euros; 53 caps.
- Squad news: Hampton out (quad); Hemp/Clinton return; first call-up for Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses).
- Friendlies: China (Wembley, 80,000+ tickets); Ghana (St Mary’s).
Wiegman’s calm amid storm reaffirms her “decisions to win” philosophy—England’s perfect 2025 qualifying record (8/8 wins) her proof.
Earps’ Autobiography Fallout: Criticism and Context
Mary Earps’ All In (released November 2025) lifted the lid on tensions. Extracts (Guardian serialization) detailed Earps telling Wiegman in a St George’s Park meeting: “Bad behaviour is being rewarded” after Hampton’s recall for April 2024 Sweden qualifier (Hampton dropped 2022 for attitude issues at camps/Villa).
Earps: Wiegman’s handling “bull—-“; felt not “direct and honest” on No. 1 picture. Affinity “destroyed”; trust evaporating.
Wiegman (November 18): “Good goalkeeper unit—competing for spot. Kept communicating; support best way. Can’t control perception. Learnings always, but bigger picture—no changes.”
On “repulsive” comment (June 2025, Bellingham antics—apologized): “Regrettable wording.”
Earps retired May 2025—pre-Euros. Hampton starred: Player of match final (2 penalty saves vs Spain); England defended title on foreign soil (Switzerland).
Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor: “Disrespectful to Wiegman/Hampton—class shown.”
Earps post-release: “Noise hasn’t changed relationship—respect both.”
Tuchel’s—Wiegman’s—Philosophy: Team Over Ego
Wiegman (two Euros titles: 2022, 2025): “Decisions for team success—ego behind. Collective wins.”
Hampton’s rise: Dropped 2022 (attitude); recalled April 2024. Euro 2025: Every minute; Yashin Trophy (best GK, Ballon d’Or 2025).
Wiegman: “Spoke to Hannah—conversations ongoing. Private.”
Squad (November 18, 25 players):
- Returns: Hemp (first since Euro 2025 injury), Clinton.
- First call-up: Freya Godfrey (London City Lionesses forward).
- Out: Hampton (quad), James (fitness build at Chelsea), Agyemang (ACL), others.
Wiegman: “Final 2025 games—celebrate Euros. 80,000+ Wembley—never take for granted.”
Friendlies Focus: Homecoming Series Finale
China (November 29, Wembley): Asian champions; 80,000+ tickets—hat-trick under Arch (Spain 1-0 Feb, Portugal 6-0 May).
Ghana (December 2, St Mary’s): First meeting.
Wiegman: “Quick turnaround—fresh legs/quality help.”
Squad highlights: Bronze, Stanway, Walsh; young guns Godfrey, Kendall.
No James: Chelsea fitness build post-layoff.
The Bigger Debate: Goalkeeper Depth and England’s Standards
Earps (53 caps): Euro 2022 hero; 2023 WC final. PSG move: Craved CL (United missed 2024).
Hampton: Euro 2025 star; Yashin winner.
Wiegman: “Two incredible GKs—competition healthy.”
Pundits: Warnock (5 Live): “Tuchel—Wiegman—right; team good.” Coady: “Jude—wait, Earps—knows right call.”
England 2025: Euros defended; flawless qualifiers. Next: March 2026 pre-WC camp.
Wiegman: “Standards exclude no one—collective conquers.”
Verdict: Wiegman’s Resolve—England’s Strength
Earps’ book stirred storm; Wiegman’s response calm steel. “Decisions to win”—Hampton vindicated; Euros glory proof.
Squad depth shines—Hemp back, Godfrey debut. Friendlies: Celebrate 2025 triumphs.
World Cup 2026: Unity key—Wiegman’s way.
