‘She’s Entitled To That Perspective’ – Eni Aluko Backs Mary Earps After Controversial Comments About Former Lionesses Team-Mate Hannah Hampton

Former England star Eni Aluko has spoken out in support of goalkeeper Mary Earps, who has recently faced criticism for comments made in her new book about former Lionesses team-mate Hannah Hampton.

Aluko claims that Earps, who announced her international retirement prior to Euro 2025, has every right to share her side of a professional story and should not be “demonised” for giving her perspective.

Earps’ Book Sparks Debate

In her autobiography, All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me, Earps suggested that England boss Sarina Wiegman could be seen as “rewarding bad behaviour” when recalling Hampton to the national team after previously dropping her. Hampton later became a penalty shootout hero at Euro 2025.

Earps also highlighted what she considered a “clear lack of care” from Wiegman regarding her welfare before losing her No.1 spot, sparking controversy among fans and pundits.

Aluko Defends Earps From Criticism

Aluko told Sky Sports that Earps is entitled to her perspective and warned against the “mob culture” criticizing her.

“So Mary has written a book, she has given her perspective, and she is entitled to that perspective. I don’t really like this sense of sort of mob culture where you try to silence someone for just giving their perspective,” Aluko said.

She also noted that timing may have amplified the criticism, as Hampton had a stellar Euro 2025 campaign, but emphasized that Earps should not feel under attack.

Lucy Bronze Also Offers Support

Earps’ former team-mate Lucy Bronze has also defended her, highlighting the intense scrutiny female players face.

“Female players are constantly under a magnifying glass. In a football team you have a group of 20-30 players – there’s no way everyone will think the same things. There are different personalities – and there is high pressure,” Bronze told The Mirror.

Bronze added that men are judged mostly on ability, while female players face scrutiny both on and off the pitch, making Earps’ honesty in her book all the more courageous.

Mary Earps’ book has sparked wider conversations about player welfare, honesty in sports, and the pressures faced by women in football, with allies like Eni Aluko and Lucy Bronze backing her right to speak her truth.

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