Two big saves, a nervous turnover, solid passing and a clean sheet. Hannah Hampton’s stock continues to rise after her Chelsea goalkeeper helped England qualify for Euro 2025 in a 0-0 draw with Sweden.
Salina Wigman’s decision to start Hampton ahead of Mary Earps for England’s penultimate qualifier raised some eyebrows on Friday. It’s just one of several changes made to the Republic of Ireland game ahead of a trickier trip to Sweden.
However, her performance in Gothenburg’s starting line-up was far more surprising and could signal a change at the back at England’s backbone.
“The game is on. It really is a game,” Wigman said after England secured a place in Switzerland. “They are both unbelievable, talented goalkeepers and we are very happy with that and certainly with the others. “
Earps has been between the bats since Weegman was hired in September 2021, taking advantage of injuries to Karen Bardsley and Ellie Roebuck.
Earps’ performance at Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup helped her win consecutive FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year awards. She was also hugely popular, with the public despairing that her goalkeeper jersey was unavailable for purchase to the public, and her foul-mouthed outbursts endearing her to fans across the country.
Placing the decorated goalkeeper on the bench for Hampton was a bold move and a huge vote of confidence in the young Chelsea stopper. “She did a great job and we kept her in the lineup,” Wigman said when asked about her selection before kickoff. The brief reply revealed little about Wegman’s short-term intentions, but it’s clear that Hampton is following in Earps’ footsteps and is accelerating.
Wegman described the way Earps handled the news she didn’t air as “very professional.” “In February we split the games so Hannah played one game and Marie played one game and we did that in April as well, in the June to May window against France, unfortunately Mary was injured and in that period we said there was more competition between the two and of course we had Khiara. [Keating] We also have Anna Moorhouse in the team and they are doing really well too.
Hampton’s talent was never in doubt but was dropped by Wegman after England won the European Cup and by Aston Villa at the start of the 2022-23 season, with Wegman citing “some personal issues that she had to work through” As a result, Hampton’s transformation into a trusted and regular starter has been outstanding.
Hampden recovered from the cold to start four of Europe’s defending champions’ six Group A3 qualifiers and made an early appearance against France in Newcastle after Earps injured his hip in the opening minutes of the game.
We saw her in action against Sweden in Gothenburg, with a great save from Millie Bright in the 49th minute, who removed her goalkeeper late in the game. sight, while Filippa Angeldal’s superb save with seven minutes remaining was crucial in helping England secure victory. Fourth clean sheet.
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There were also signs of a player still improving, with the 23-year-old conceding the ball twice in four minutes with 15 minutes remaining but avoiding a penalty.
The signs are good for England, who moved to Chelsea from Aston Villa last season to help her find her way next to the experienced and decorated Emma Hayes.
Hayes believes the sky is the limit. “As the future head coach of Team USA, I say this: England are so lucky… I truly believe that [she] Have all it takes to be the best in the world.
The world’s best and the future world’s best vying for the top spot? This is perhaps the most noteworthy position in this England squad.
The qualifying group of death – which England also drew with France – was never going to be easy, and England made their situation even more difficult with games against Sweden and Wembley and a loss to France in Newcastle that ensured the need Get good results on the road to avoid the playoffs. Trusting Hampton over Earps when it matters most is a big statement.
