The Keeper Conflict: How Mary Earps’ “Bad Behaviour” Claim Divided the Lionesses’ Camp

The Lionesses squad, long celebrated for its unshakeable unity and “squad-first” mentality, has been rocked by explosive revelations from former number one goalkeeper Mary Earps. In a shocking new report, Earps has lifted the lid on the deep-seated tensions that culminated in her abrupt international retirement, pinpointing a furious disagreement over the re-integration and eventual promotion of fellow goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.

Earps’ candid account—published in excerpts from her autobiography, All In—details a highly-charged moment when she allegedly launched a heated verbal attack on the decision to recall Hampton, a move she felt broke an unspoken “golden rule” of the England dressing room. The astonishing fallout from this challenge reportedly divided the squad and silenced even Earps’ staunchest allies.

The Breach of the “Golden Rule”

The core of the conflict, according to Earps, centered on a perceived lapse in disciplinary standards and team values. Following the historic Euro 2022 triumph, Hampton was temporarily excluded from the Lionesses squad, a decision widely reported to be related to issues concerning her behavior and attitude in camp.

When England Head Coach Sarina Wiegman later proposed bringing Hampton back into the fold in 2023, Earps claims she pushed back fiercely. She revealed she told the highly successful coach that the move “doesn’t make me feel comfortable,” pointing to the alleged “disharmony” and disruptive behavior during the previous Euros that she felt “risked derailing training sessions and team resources.”

The “golden rule” that Earps believes was broken is the principle of accountability and consistent standards for every player, regardless of talent. She claimed to Wiegman that by re-introducing a player previously disciplined, the coach was effectively “rewarding bad behaviour.” This direct challenge to the manager’s authority—and the implied public criticism of a teammate—was the act that reportedly left the dressing room stunned.

The Silence of Supporters

Earps has always been a hugely influential figure and a respected leader in the Lionesses camp, known for her charisma and strong personality. However, when the internal friction with Hampton escalated—especially after Wiegman promoted Hampton to the number one jersey ahead of Euro 2025—the reaction from her own teammates was telling.

While many may have privately sympathized with Earps’ feelings of disappointment and her desire to protect the squad’s culture, the direct and public nature of her protest against Hampton’s selection was seen as crossing a line. The unspoken rule in elite team environments often dictates that internal disagreements, particularly those involving selection and personal conduct, remain within the camp to protect the team’s public image and focus.

Teammates who usually back Earps were reportedly forced into an uncomfortable silence. They were torn between supporting a loyal friend and respecting the new number one, a player who had worked hard to earn her spot back and had the full backing of the head coach. This silence was not a sign of disagreement with Earps’ values, but a commitment to the greater team objective, a value that Earps herself was fiercely protective of.

An “Unjust” Conclusion

The situation became untenable when Wiegman finally confirmed to Earps that Hampton would be the first-choice goalkeeper. Earps writes that she felt the decision was “unjust,” and that her “trust and respect” for Wiegman were “evaporating” due to what she felt was dishonest communication.

This emotional breakdown led to Earps’ shock decision to retire from international football just five weeks before Euro 2025. While Earps has since stated she has attempted to draw a line under the conflict, messaging Hampton privately to confirm “no bad blood,” the public nature of the revelations has brought the simmering tensions to the surface.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has since publicly defended Hampton, calling her a player of “class” and stating that Earps’ comments lacked “respect” for a teammate and the national coach. The episode serves as a powerful, albeit uncomfortable, reminder that even in the most successful teams, the clash of personality and deeply held values can ultimately challenge the integrity of the “family” dynamic.