'I make decisions to win' – Wiegman hits back at Earps' England criticism

Sarina Wiegman insisted she would not have done things differently despite criticism from former England goalkeeper Mary Earps over her decision to recall Hannah Hampton. 

Earps, who retired from international duty in a shock announcement in May, said that she told Wiegman that "bad behaviour is being rewarded" in her autobiography. 

The 32-year-old added that Hampton's return to the Lionesses' fold did not make her "feel comfortable" and ultimately played a part in her calling time on her international career. 

Earps played a key role in England's European Championships triumph in 2022 and also helped the team reach the World Cup final the following year. 

Hampton had been left out of subsequent squads after their Euros victory three years ago, reportedly because of a poor attitude in training sessions, something Wiegman denies. 

Speaking to reporters after announcing her England squad for friendlies against China and Ghana, Wiegman revealed she had not spoken to Earps since the release of her book.

"I make decisions about what I think is the best for the team to compete in the next camp or the next tournament – and I make decisions to win," she said. 

"We had a very good goalkeeper unit and the two were competing for the number one spot. I think I would have done exactly the same thing. 

"We kept communicating every time. As always, we try to support in the best possible way and I can't control how that comes across.

"There is always learning, but I don't think, in the bigger picture, I would have done things differently."

Wiegman was also asked if she was disappointed that Earps said her affinity for the Lionesses' manager was "destroyed" and her "trust and respect was evaporating".

"I don't think I can change that. What I just try to be is as honest as possible and have a very good working relationship, which is what I think we had," Wiegman added.

"I can't control other things. I just stick with what I want to do, how I want to do it and try to be as clear and honest as possible to make decisions to win.

"I always keep conversations private. I share things here [in the media] but when I have individual conversations, I keep that private as that builds trust.

"If I do that then players will come to me and have conversations with me. That's my approach. We create an environment where we want people to be themselves."

The media conference to announce Wiegman's latest squad was dominated by questions about Earps and the England boss joked it would be "nice to talk about football".

Wiegman chose to recall Manchester City duo Lauren Hemp and Grace Clinton, while London City Lionesses Freya Godfrey received her first senior call-up. 

West Ham's Anouk Denton, Liverpool's Grace Fisk, Arsenal's Taylor Hinds and Aston Villa's Lucia Kendall all remain with the Lionesses after getting call-ups in the October camp.

Hampton is one of several of England's Euro winners, along with Michelle Agyemang, Alex Greenwood and Leah Williamson, who are all missing due to injury. 

The Chelsea goalkeeper has picked up a thigh injury, but Wiegman was keen not to detail too much about their conversation. 

"I spoke to Hannah. I speak to players in between camps anyway. Unfortunately, she is injured now. But I did speak to her, yes," added Wiegman.

"What the content of that conversation was, as always, I'll keep private."