Mary Earps: All In, and Then Some

November 03, 2025

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY

Twentytwo is the weekly newsletter for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football. A five-minute read, rounding up news, fixtures, transfers, culture, grassroots events and more.

This week: Catch up on the Mary Earps’ new book drama, check out our favourite goals of the weekend, plus all the usual kit drops, fave finds and more.

🔍 IN FOCUS

Mary Earps: All In, and Then Some.

Mary Earps has never been afraid to say what she thinks, but her new autobiography, All In: Football, Life and Learning to be Unapologetically Me, might have gone a bit too far for some. It’s packed with spicy takes that have raised eyebrows and delivered some rare daily drama to the women’s football world, thanks to The Guardian serialising it this week.

What happened
Earps writes frankly about her time out of the England squad, her relationship with Sarina Wiegman, and her frustrations with the Lionesses’ goalkeeper setup. She’s candid about her dynamic with Hannah Hampton, calling it “toxic” and describing Hampton’s behaviour as disruptive and unprofessional, before insisting there’s “no bad blood” (we’re not convinced).

In another excerpt, she reflects on her World Cup heroics, claiming: “There were three huge talking points from the 2023 World Cup,” and outside the Rubiales scandal, “the other two talking points both related to me. My penalty save in the final had been viewed as heroic and, even, perfect.”
As you can imagine, for those who suspected “ego” played a role in Earps’ England retirement, lines like that haven’t helped her case.

The reaction
Naming teammates is always risky, and on the page, it lands even harder. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor publicly defended Hampton, calling Earps’ comments “unfair and unprofessional”, while fans are split: some call it rare honesty about player rivalries; others, a very public character assassination.

Earps responds
After the backlash, Earps took to Instagram, saying she knew her “honesty and rawness would divide opinion.” She urged people to read the book in full: “This isn’t about heroes and villains… multiple things can be true at once.”

Our take
How this plays out is anyone’s guess. Earps still has years left in her career, but with senior figures like Bompastor calling her out, she’s clearly ruffled feathers. Maybe this is the cost of speaking freely. Maybe it’s just a bump on the road. Either way, she might need to put her “unapologetic self” on pause and dish out a few apologies for the good of her future in football.

One last thing… Keep an eye out for Counter Pressed’s Thursday Episode, where their book club will return with, you guessed it, All In by Mary Earps.

⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH

Our Top WSL Picks

Jess Park scores against Brighton. Credit: PA Images

  1. Jess Park – Park and Toone linked up beautifully before Park smashed this one home. The move to United has been the reboot Park needed - she just gets better and better every time she plays.

  2. Sam Kerr – A big defensive error gifted Kerr her first goal back after her ACL injury.

  3. Hikaru Kitagawa – Took this one well, bending it beyond the keeper.

  4. Beth England – Cool as you like, as she became the first player to score 50 home goals in the WSL.

  5. Stina Blackstenius – Hit Mead’s cross first time, leaving the keeper with no chance.

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: Noémie Mouchon – It might have just been a consolation goal, but what a way to do it. Dribbled from her own half with three Arsenal defenders on her heels, kept her cool and slotted it in for Leicester.

RESULTS: WSL MATCHDAY 20
AS IT STANDS
🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

🏆 The 2025 FIFPRO Women’s World 11 has been revealed (the only global award voted for by over 6,000 professional players worldwide). England’s presence stays strong, with Leah Williamson, Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Millie Bright all making the line-up. Bronze is the first player to make the list eight times.

🤝 WSL2 players are now eligible for PFA membership following the league’s professionalisation. This extends welfare, contract advice and representation rights to the Championship tier for the first time.​

🗓️ Several December WSL fixtures have been rescheduled for TV broadcast, including Arsenal v Liverpool and Liverpool’s matches. Fans should check club websites for revised kick-off times.​

🏟️ Wales has formally bid to host the 2029 UEFA Women’s Champions League final at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The FAW hopes the bid boosts participation and fan interest across the nation.

🎮 The NWSL has struck a licensing deal with Football Manager 2026, meaning all 14 clubs will be added along with authentic kits and players, making the league fully represented in the game for the first time.​

💬 Alexis Ohanian has spoken publicly about stepping back from Angel City FC ownership amid differences over its celebrity-driven model. He’s since called the model “a terrible idea” and reflected positively on Disney CEO Bob Iger’s purchase and rebuild of the team.​

🇺🇸 The World Sevens Football tournament is back, and this time it’s heading to Florida in December. Kansas City Current and San Diego Wave have just been announced as competitors, joining top clubs from the Americas in the high-stakes seven-a-side competition with a $5 million prize pool.​

🤖 Laura Harvey, head coach of Seattle Reign, has admitted to using ChatGPT to analyse and set tactics in NWSL games. Though she insists it challenged her thinking and led to a surprise win, there’s been a mixed reaction, with some questioning how professional it is to go along with AI suggestions.

🏆 Racing Louisville has clinched the final NWSL playoff spot (and the first in their history) by beating Bay FC 1-0 on the last day of the season. They’ll face Washington Spirit while Kansas City Current take on Gotham FC in the play-off quarter finals over 7-9 November.

🇪🇸 Spain beat the Netherlands 3-1 and will face Germany (who defeated France 2-1) in the UEFA Women’s Nations League final on 23 November. Meanwhile, Ireland, Poland and Belgium secured promotion; Finland, Scotland and Hungary were relegated.​

🌍 France, Netherlands, Mexico and Italy won their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup quarterfinal matches to reach the semis. The final will be played on Sunday, November 9.

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

→ Has England's Euros triumph given women's club football a boost? – The BBC

→ NWSL’s lack of gender eligibility policy leaves players vulnerable, just not in the way you think – The Athletic via Yahoo

→ Why are USWNT players leaving the NWSL for Europe? – ESPN

👀 FAVE FINDS

Nike and Palace have teamed up to open Manor Place, a new creative space in south London that blends football culture, fashion and community. The reworked Victorian building will host workshops, screenings and events aimed at the next generation of players, designers and creators. Opens 11 November - follow here

While Karen Carney has been busy busting moves on BBC Strictly Come Dancing, Jill Scott has been holding the fort over on the Long Story Short Podcast by inviting players onto the show. Keira Walsh was the latest guest, and it’s a must-listen with loads of funny stories from their time playing together. Watch/listen here

👟 KIT DROP

Nike’s United Pack returns with Lauren James, Salma Paralleulo, Sophia Wilson, Deyna Castellanos, Naomi Girma, and Patri Guijarro, working on their own edition of Nike’s four main boot fits. The Phantom GX, Tiempo Legend 10, Mercurial Superfly 10 and Phantom Luna 2 all feature subtle tweaks in fit, texture and feel that reflect how each player plays. The collection is available now.

Nike × Palace P-90 Collection brings pure 2000s football nostalgia. Retro training tops, oversized tees and zip-ups with Palace’s tongue-in-cheek edge. It’s loud, nostalgic and exactly the kind of crossover that reminds you why football style keeps leading culture.

🩼 ACL + INJURY UPDATES

Devastating news for Michelle Agyemang, who ruptured her ACL during England’s 3–0 win over Australia last week. The 19-year-old forward (one of the breakout stars of Euro 2025) will now begin a long recovery process.

It’s a huge blow for both England and Brighton (where she’s on loan from Arsenal). Agyemang’s power and composure in front of goal have made her one of the most exciting young forwards in the game.

The only small comfort? Time is on her side. With the next World Cup not until 2027, she has a clear path to recovery. But it’s the latest in a horrific month of knee injuries. There have been at least 12 so far, with MCL and ACL dominating, and some big names such as Lena Oberdorf, Ewa Pajor, and Trinity Rodman facing extended periods on the sidelines.

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

Upcoming Events

Baller FC Presents: WSL Sundays
Every Sunday, no matter the game, Baller FC will be hosting screenings at their regular spot, Signature Brew Haggeston, 12:00 Kickoffs. As well as the football expect creative workshops and crafts from different friends of ballers. 
More info here

London Football Book Market
Brixton Library, Saturday 15 November, 12:00-17:00
A showcase of independent authors, magazines, publishers, illustrators, photographers and other creatives selling their football-related wares.
Free entry – tickets here

Women’s Football Fair 2 | Sunday 30 November
Whether you're a player, fan, or simply curious, this is the perfect day to celebrate the power and passion of the women's game.
Hockley Social Club,60 Hampton St, Birmingham B19 3LU
£5 Early Bird / £10 General Admission Tickets – Get yours here

Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (BST)

Wednesday 5 November
FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Semi-Finals

  • Brazil U17 vs North Korea U17 (15:30, FIFA+)

  • Netherlands U17 vs Mexico U17 (19:00, FIFA+)

Saturday 8 November
Women’s Super League

  • Arsenal vs Chelsea (12:00, Sky Sports)

  • Manchester United vs Aston Villa (12:00, Sky Sports)

FIFA U17 Women's World Cup Final

  • Third-place playoffs (15:30, FIFA+)

  • Final (19:00, FIFA+)

Sunday 9 November
Women’s Super League

  • Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion (12:00, Sky Sports)

  • London City Lionesses vs Tottenham Hotspur (12:00, Sky Sports, WSL YouTube)

  • West Ham United vs Leicester City (12:00, Sky Sports, WSL YouTube)

  • Everton vs Manchester City (14:30, BBC Two, iPlayer)

See you next week!

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