Sarina Wiegman has defended her decision to promote Hannah Hampton as England's first-choice goalkeeper, saying she makes 'decisions to win', after Mary Earps criticised the move in her autobiography.
Speaking at Wembley after announcing her squad for upcoming friendlies against China and Ghana, Wiegman said she had 'really enjoyed working with Mary' and would cherish their time together, but would make the same choice again. Earps retired from international football before last summer's Euros after Hampton replaced her as starter.
Earps accused Wiegman of 'rewarding bad behaviour' by bringing Hampton back into the fold after she had been dropped by Aston Villa and England for poor attitude in 2022. Wiegman declined to discuss private conversations, saying she aims to create an environment of trust and open communication.
Hampton impressed at the Euros, helping England win on penalties in the quarter-final and final. She is absent from the current squad due to a quad injury, with Sophie Baggaley called up. Freya Godfrey receives her first senior call-up, while Jess Carter and Lauren James are omitted for rest and fitness reasons.
England host China at Wembley on 29 November, with over 80,000 tickets sold, and face Ghana at St Mary's Stadium three days later.
