Hannah Hampton Addresses Criticism of Mary Earps After Receiving Prestigious Individual Award

Hannah Hampton has addressed the controversy that erupted last month following Mary Earps' remarks regarding her departure from the England squad.

In her memoir, Earps detailed her feelings towards Hampton's conduct during England's Euro 2022 victory, suggesting that Sarina Wiegman's choice to name Hampton as her number one for Euro 2025 “felt like bad behaviour was being rewarded.”

This played a part in Earps' decision to retire from international play, though she clarified last month that her comments about Hampton were misinterpreted.

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Hannah Hampton asserts she won't ‘knock’ Mary Earps for her opinion

Hampton played a crucial role in England successfully defending their Euro 2025 title, with a series of composed performances, notably in penalty shootouts, being key to Sarina Wiegman's squad.

The Chelsea goalkeeper's accomplishments have earned her the title of BBC Women's Footballer of the Year, yet Hampton chose not to retaliate against Earps when questioned about the controversy following her win.

Hampton remains reserved about her views on Earps' statements, stating to the BBC: “I guess it’s the life of being a footballer; your life is in the spotlight. People are entitled to their opinions.

“People can say whatever they want to say – it's down to [me] whether I want to let that affect me. I definitely know it's not going to.

“I'm not going to sit here and knock people for what they have to say; that's their life, that's their judgment. I'm just going to focus on myself, that's all I can do.

“I want to achieve a lot more in the game, and I can't dwell on people's thoughts. That's going to hinder me, not help me.

“It still doesn’t quite sink in that people call you England no.1.”

“It’s a lonely position, but it’s also very rewarding. You could be the hero at moments and you could also be the villain at moments.

“The keepers before me – Carly [Telford], Karen [Bardsley], Mary [Earps], and even further back – they’ve changed the perception of women’s goalkeeping.

“I’m just another body in that chain that’s helped shift the narrative, along with Khiara [Keating] and Anna [Moorhouse]. Women’s goalkeeping has definitely taken off; we’re working to change perceptions slowly but surely.”