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Goalkeeper Mary Earps has openly declared that her newly released memoir was never intended to “criticize individuals” and expressed concern that audience feedback has been “distorted.”

Debated Statements and Fan Backlash

The ex-Lionesses goalkeeper, who played a key role in the Euro 2022 victory, encountered disapproval from supporters and Blues coach Sonia Bompastor after commenting about past Lioness Hannah Hampton and head coach Sarina Wiegman.

In her memoir, Earps allegedly stated told Wiegman she was “supporting poor attitude” by bringing Hampton back to the national team after leaving her out for being “problematic and undependable.”

“The response has been immense to see how parts were misrepresented,” Earps told reporters.

Clarifying Her Purpose

Earps firmly declared that her book was never intended to hurt others.

• “This book wasn’t written to criticize others in any manner.”
• “That isn’t my personality as a human being.”
• “This is real life. It has implications. It is not entertainment.”

She also commented on how the women’s game has entered a space that has become “a bit like entertainment,” where personal lives are picked apart for audience entertainment.

Relationship with Wiegman

Earps wrote about being replaced as the starting goalkeeper prior to Euro 2025 and how that strained her relationship with Wiegman.

She clarified it was “not a rapid decline” in their relationship—just a difference of perspectives—and she maintains respect for the coach.

“Certain events that occurred during that period that I wish had happened differently,” Earps remarked.

Individual Difficulties

In her book, Earps discussed openly the mistreatment she experienced at in her younger years, describing it as a “really hard” part to read again because it reawakened old wounds.

• “I failed to defend myself back then.”
• “I frequently thought that people didn’t like me for a long time.”
• “I was trained to feel like nobody really cares.”

These feelings led to anxiety episodes, and Earps disclosed she faced challenges with body image and turned to alcohol during the global health crisis to handle emotional difficulties.

Personal Life and Future Plans

Earps recently shared that she is in a same-sex relationship and stated she is proud about her partnership.

She also discussed her wish to have children and revealed she has frozen her eggs for potential family planning.

“I deeply desire to be a parent and have a family of my own,” Earps stated. “I love playing football, but I hope to have a child later down the line.”

Earps characterized the fertility process as “crazy and invasive” and called for more research tailored to sports professionals undergoing similar procedures.

Throughout the interview, Earps emphasized that she has no second thoughts about her professional journey or individual actions, emphasizing that she always proceeded with principle.