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'It played a part'

England women’s boss Mark Sampson in another potential storm after Chelsea midfielder Katie Chapman claims divorce led to her not being picked

94-cap star Chapman claims, "You should be able to speak about your personal life", without being in the firing-line

ENGLAND women's boss Mark Sampson is embroiled in another potential storm after Katie Chapman claimed her divorce led to her not being picked ever again.

The Chelsea midfielder, 35, had earned 94 caps for her country dating back to 2000.

 Katie Chapman has claimed her divorce led to her being dropped by England
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Katie Chapman has claimed her divorce led to her being dropped by EnglandCredit: AFP
 Mark Sampson has already been left in hot water after Eni Aluko's claims this year
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Mark Sampson has already been left in hot water after Eni Aluko's claims this yearCredit: PA:Press Association

However, she has now come forward to suggest that her opening up to Sampson has led to her never representing England again.

The news comes not long after Eni Aluko, 30, complained of bullying, harassment and racism by Sampson in May of last year.

Sampson was cleared following two investigations, with Aluko handed £40,000 by the FA.

Now, exiled Chapman has revealed: "I had the conversation with Mark regarding my divorce.

"He said, 'Take a little time to manage that situation and get yourself sorted', and I haven't been selected since.

"I've gone through a divorce and I think that might've played a part, going through that, managing with the children and stuff.

 Eni Aluko accused Mark Sampson of racism and harassment earlier this summer
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Eni Aluko accused Mark Sampson of racism and harassment earlier this summerCredit: PA:Press Association

"You should be able to speak about your personal life and it be taken into consideration, whether you're male or female.

"Off the back of that conversation I haven't been picked."

However, Chapman did add she is not "bitter" about things and is only looking to control what she can.

She added: "Mark will make his decision and I'm not bitter about that in the slightest. I can only manage what I can manage."

 Katie Chapman has earned 94 caps for England, dating back to 2000
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Katie Chapman has earned 94 caps for England, dating back to 2000Credit: PA:Press Association


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