Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has publicly expressed significant regrets regarding the controversial comments made in her autobiography, which was released last year. The 32-year-old footballer acknowledged that there were clear areas where she could have handled the situation better, particularly concerning remarks about national team manager Sarina Wiegman.
Controversial Claims and Backlash
Earps' autobiography, published in November, sparked considerable controversy within the football community. In the book, she claimed that Wiegman had "rewarded bad behaviour" by selecting Hannah Hampton ahead of her for a Euro 2025 qualifier. This statement led to widespread condemnation and backlash from fans and pundits alike.
Reflecting on the incident, Earps admitted to The Guardian that she now understands why the comments caused such a stir. She described the experience as her "first rodeo with 'cancel culture'" and rated it a disappointing "0 out of 10," advising others against similar missteps.
Taking Responsibility and Learning Lessons
The former Lionesses stopper emphasized taking full responsibility for the book and the ensuing fallout. She stated, "There were some tough lessons learned. I'm human. I'm not perfect, I'm still learning. I'm still growing as a person. I want to use those lessons going forward."
Earps highlighted that, with time and distance, she can better comprehend the backlash and see the situation more clearly. She added that life is about continuous growth and striving to be the best version of oneself.
Clearing the Air with Sarina Wiegman
In a positive development, Earps revealed that she has since had a constructive conversation with Sarina Wiegman to address the issues. She shared, "Sarina and I have spoken. It was a really positive conversation. And I'm really grateful to Sarina for that opportunity for us to speak."
This dialogue appears to have helped mend fences between the player and her former manager, indicating a move towards reconciliation and mutual understanding.
Current Career and Future Prospects
Earps, who currently plays for French club PSG after joining from Manchester United in 2024, is approaching the final four months of her contract. When questioned about her future, she responded cautiously, saying, "We'll have to wait and see, won't we? I'm not too sure yet. I know I'm really enjoying Paris."
Additionally, Earps mentioned that something is "in the works" with the Football Association to celebrate her retirement from international football, which she announced in May last year after learning she would not be England's starting goalkeeper for the upcoming European Championships.
Her remarks came during the opening of a community football pitch in her hometown of Nottingham, where she reflected on her career and personal growth amidst the controversy.
