Mary Earps Opens Up on Book Controversy and Reconciliation with Sarina Wiegman
Mary Earps, the former England goalkeeper, has spoken candidly about the significant backlash she faced following the release of her autobiography last year. In a recent interview, Earps revealed that she has engaged in a really positive conversation with England head coach Sarina Wiegman, aiming to mend fences after her critical comments sparked widespread condemnation.
Learning from the Backlash
Earps described the experience as her first rodeo with cancel culture, rating it a stark 0 out of 10 and advising others to avoid similar situations. She expressed deep regret, stating that the last thing she wanted to do was cause hurt, particularly to Wiegman, whom she holds in high esteem. I take full responsibility for the book and the things that happened around the book, Earps admitted, acknowledging that there were clear areas where she could have improved her approach.
Reflecting on the tough lessons learned, Earps emphasized her humanity and ongoing personal growth. I’m human. I’m not perfect, I’m still learning. I’m still growing as a person, she said, vowing to apply these insights moving forward. The controversy centered on remarks about former teammate Hannah Hampton, whom Earps suggested had been rewarded for bad behaviour by Wiegman, leading to criticism from figures like Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor for lacking respect.
Positive Dialogue with Sarina Wiegman
Despite the fallout, Earps confirmed that she and Wiegman have since met and held a private, constructive discussion. I have an incredible amount of respect for Sarina, always have, always will, she affirmed, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to reconcile. With time and distance, Earps now understands the backlash, viewing it as a testament to the growing prominence of women's football and the high standards expected of her.
Community Pitch Opening in Nottingham
Earps made these remarks during the official opening of the Mary Earps pitch at Calverton Miners Welfare FC in her hometown of Nottingham. The event drew hundreds of young players, with Earps overwhelmed by requests for autographs and photos after cutting the ribbon and participating in a training session. Funded largely by a £660,000 grant from the Premier League, FA, and Football Foundation's Lionesses Futures Fund, the pitch is part of a broader initiative to enhance access for women and girls through reserved slots and female-only evenings.
Additional support came from the club, Nottinghamshire county council, Calverton Parish Council, Gedling Borough Council, and the Thomas Farr Fund. Earps, who played summer tournaments at Calverton in her youth, described the honour as amazing and surreal, highlighting the importance of community engagement. One of my priorities has been to do more stuff at home. When you go away, you realise how much that matters to you, she shared.
Future Plans and Career Reflections
Looking ahead, Earps mentioned that plans are in the works with the FA to celebrate her retirement, which she announced unexpectedly before last summer's Euros. As her contract with Paris Saint-Germain approaches its final four months, she remains uncertain about her next steps but expressed enjoyment of her time in Paris. I’ve loved it. I was taken completely out of my comfort zone and challenged, and that was exactly what I wanted, Earps said, emphasizing her desire to avoid stagnation and continue learning.
With 53 caps and 26 clean sheets for England, including a penalty save in the 2023 World Cup final, Earps concluded by reflecting on the broader lessons from her experiences. Ultimately, life is about lessons and growing and constantly striving to be the best version of yourself, she stated, underscoring her commitment to personal and professional development amidst the challenges faced.
