Sarina Wiegman, the England manager, stood by her decision to bring back Hannah Hampton despite criticism from former goalkeeper Mary Earps. Earps, who retired from international play in May, expressed
discomfort with Hampton's return in her autobiography. She suggested that poor behaviour was being rewarded. Despite this, Wiegman maintained her stance, believing her choices were best for the team.
Wiegman's recent squad announcement included Manchester City's Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton. Freya Godfrey from London City Lionesses also received her first senior call-up. Meanwhile, West Ham's Anouk Denton, Liverpool's Grace Fisk, Arsenal's Taylor Hinds, and Aston Villa's Lucia Kendall remained in the squad after their October call-ups. Several Euro winners like Michelle Agyemang and Leah Williamson are absent due to injuries.
Wiegman emphasised maintaining a supportive environment where players can be themselves. She values honesty and clear communication with her team members. "I just try to be as honest as possible," she said about her relationship with players like Earps. Keeping conversations private is crucial for building trust within the team.
The media conference announcing Wiegman's squad was largely focused on Earps' comments. The England manager joked about wanting to discuss football instead of controversies. Despite the focus on Earps' remarks, Wiegman remained committed to her methods and decisions.
Sarina Wiegman's final #Lionesses squad of 2025! Lionesses (@Lionesses) November 18, 2025
Handling Criticism and Maintaining Focus
When asked about Earps' claim that trust and respect had diminished, Wiegman acknowledged she couldn't change others' feelings but stressed her commitment to honesty and clarity in decision-making. "I can't control other things," she remarked, focusing instead on fostering a positive working relationship.
Despite Hampton's current injury preventing participation, Wiegman confirmed ongoing communication with players between camps. "I spoke to Hannah," she noted but chose not to disclose details of their conversation, respecting privacy as part of her management style.
The England manager remains focused on preparing the team for upcoming friendlies against China and Ghana while navigating media scrutiny over player selections and internal dynamics.
