Hannah Hampton has emerged as a standout performer for England in her first major tournament as the team’s primary goalkeeper, delivering crucial saves and impactful plays that have captivated fans and pundits alike.
Hampton stepped into the role following the retirement of Mary Earps, a two-time recipient of the world’s best women’s goalkeeper award, who played pivotal roles in england’s Euro 2022 victory and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final. Hampton’s performances have demonstrated her readiness for the number one shirt,even before Earps’ departure.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha commented on Hampton’s unexpected rise, stating, “At the start of the tournament did you think Hannah Hampton would be the star? Perhaps not. You wondered how she was going to do.” He added, “Look how well she has done on the biggest stage. To save those penalties – and these were really good saves. She backed herself 100%. An amazing moment to see her be that vital to the team.”
Hampton’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Just months after england’s Euro triumph in 2022, she was dropped from the squad, with reports citing behavioral issues. She earned a recall in March 2023, with manager Sarina Wiegman noting that Hampton had “sorted out personal issues.”
Following her penalty shootout heroics in the recent final, Hampton expressed her gratitude to Wiegman, saying, “All I can really say is thank you to sarina [Wiegman] for all the belief and faith that she’s had in me.She knew what I was capable of and she really put that in me to really go and showcase what I can do.”
hampton, who also contributed to Chelsea’s domestic treble this season, has showcased her capabilities throughout the tournament. After an opening game loss to France, she was instrumental in England’s rebound against the Netherlands, providing a defense-splitting pass that initiated the attack for England’s first goal and setting the tone for a dominant 4-0 victory. In the quarter-final against Sweden, her two crucial saves in the penalty shootout were vital in keeping England’s title defense alive.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the final, Hampton reflected on her role, stating, “The girls have run around for 120 minutes, so the least I can do is save a couple of pens here and there and help the team out in any way I can.” She also told BBC One, “There’s still a lot more to come from me. For my first major tournament, to win it is indeed not too bad.”
