Former England goalkeeper Mary Earps has revealed the full story behind her international retirement, detailing problems with eating and alcohol, and the emotional toll of public scrutiny. In an interview promoting her new autobiography, Earps reflected on the challenges she faced between 2020 and 2023, including depression, a drinking problem, and eating issues, alongside triumphs such as winning the Euros and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Earps described feeling let down by England manager Sarina Wiegman, who recalled Hannah Hampton after previously removing her from the squad. Earps believed Hampton's attitude disrupted the goalkeeping harmony before the 2022 Euros. She said Wiegman's communication became opaque and distant as the manager wavered over selecting Earps or Hampton, leading to Earps' retirement from international football this year.
Following her retirement, Earps faced what she called 'multiple character assassinations' from people who assumed her ego could not bear being replaced. She stayed silent while watching England win the Euros this summer, with Hampton playing a starring role. Earps said she has now found peace without international football, though initially struggled with a sense of injustice.
In her autobiography, Earps opens up about being bullied as a child for being 'the girl who played football', including an incident where a girl instructed a friend to slap her. She also recalls harsh coaching at junior England camps, where she felt the sole ambition was to make her cry, and casual remarks about her weight that amplified feelings of never being good enough.
During the first Covid lockdown, Earps lived alone and struggled with binge-eating biscuits and binge-drinking vodka, annihilating her fitness. She said she didn't have enough energy to be concerned for herself and navigated a very difficult and dark time. Earps is grateful she found her way out, acknowledging that not everybody does.
