Wiegman Stands by Her Euro 2025 Decision
England manager Sarina Wiegman says she has no regrets about her goalkeeper selection at Euro 2025 despite criticism from former England number one Mary Earps.
In her autobiography, Earps claims she told Wiegman she was rewarding “bad behaviour”, referring to Hannah Hampton being recalled after previously being dropped for being “disruptive and unreliable”.
The comments have sparked debate, with Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor publicly defending Hampton and commending Wiegman’s professionalism.
Earps retired from international football just five weeks before England’s Euro title defence began in Switzerland, and Wiegman confirmed she has not spoken to her since the book’s release.
Wiegman said she would not change her approach:
“We had a strong goalkeeper group, and both were competing for the number one spot. I think I would have done exactly the same.”
She added that communication was consistent throughout the process, saying she always tries to support players but “can’t control how things come across.”
‘I Make Decisions to Win’ – Wiegman Addresses Pressure
Wiegman acknowledged she can’t influence how Earps interprets decisions but stressed her calls are always made with the team’s success in mind.
England face China on 29 November at Wembley and then Ghana at St Mary’s on 2 December, yet the media session announcing the squad was dominated by Earps-related questions. Wiegman even joked it would be “nice to talk about football”.
She highlighted the return of Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton as key positives in the 25-player squad.
Still, the England coach admits handling criticism comes with the job:
“You hope things are always positive, but that’s not football when you are this visible.”
Wiegman said she cannot control Earps’ claim that her trust had “evaporated.”
“I can’t change that,” she stated. “I stay honest, clear, and make decisions to win.”
She emphasized protecting private conversations, saying it helps maintain trust within the team environment.
Hannah Hampton is not included in the squad due to a thigh injury, although the 24-year-old recently won the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or and impressed during Euro 2025.
Wiegman confirmed she spoke with Hampton after Earps’ book was released but kept details confidential:
“As always, the content of that conversation stays private.”
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