Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has revealed the full story behind her international retirement, detailing struggles with depression, eating issues, and alcohol abuse. In her new autobiography, serialised in the Guardian, Earps speaks candidly about her difficult journey, including being bullied as a child and harsh treatment from coaches.
Earps, who won the Euros with England, forced Nike to change its approach to female goalkeepers, saved a penalty in a World Cup final, and won BBC Sports Personality of the Year, said she felt let down by England manager Sarina Wiegman. She described Wiegman's communication as becoming opaque and distant as the manager wavered over selecting Earps or Hannah Hampton before the Euros.
Earps believes Hampton's attitude disrupted the harmonious atmosphere among goalkeepers before England's 2022 Euros victory. After retiring, Earps faced what she called 'multiple character assassinations' from people who assumed her ego could not bear being replaced as England's No 1. She stayed silent while watching England win the 2024 Euros with Hampton in goal.
Earps also spoke about her mental health struggles during the first Covid lockdown, when she lived alone, 'shovelling down biscuits instead of meals' and binge-drinking vodka. She said she was 'annihilating my fitness' and felt her worry about being 'big and bulky' returned with vengeance. Earps said she is grateful to have found her way out of that dark period.
Despite the turmoil, Earps said she does not look back with bad blood. 'It worked out well for everybody,' she said, adding that she has now found peace without international football.
