Chelsea captain Millie Bright has declined to comment on the ongoing discussion surrounding Mary Earps's recent autobiography and its contents related to Hannah Hampton. The refusal came during a press conference ahead of Chelsea's crucial Women's Super League match, where Bright emphasized the importance of team unity and focusing on upcoming games.
Earps's autobiography, released earlier this week, has stirred controversy within the women's football community, particularly regarding her comments about her relationship with fellow England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton. Excerpts from the book suggest a strained relationship between the two, with Earps questioning Hampton's behavior and criticizing the decision to reinstate her into the national squad in 2023. She also appeared to critique Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman's judgement.
Bright, a key figure in both the Chelsea and England squads, was directly asked about the situation and whether it was creating a distraction. However, the Chelsea captain firmly stated that she would not be drawn into what she described as "gossip". She reiterated the need to maintain professionalism and concentrate on their on-field performance.
"My focus is solely on Chelsea and our upcoming matches," Bright said. "We have a big game ahead of us, and it's crucial that we remain united and focused. I won't be commenting on any personal matters or speculation."
The Chelsea captain's reluctance to address the Earps-Hampton situation comes amidst growing media attention and fan discussions. Some have voiced concerns about the potential impact of the controversy on team morale, particularly within the England national team. Both Earps and Hampton have been key players for the Lionesses, and any discord between them could potentially affect team dynamics.
Earps has responded to the backlash, stating that her remarks were taken out of context and that she did not intend to tear anyone down. She also acknowledged that the negative aspects tend to get more attention.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has publicly defended both Hampton and Wiegman, criticizing Earps's comments and emphasizing the importance of respect within a team environment.
The Lionesses are set to begin their Euro 2025 campaign in July, and the team will need to overcome the absence of key players. Star defender Millie Bright declared herself unavailable, saying she was not ready "100% mentally or physically," while Mary Earps and Fran Kirby retired from international soccer. All three were in England's title-winning team at Euro 2022.
