Hannah Hampton: England’s New No.1 Rises

Hannah Hampton has climbed from academy prodigy to the face of England’s goalkeeping future, and on Saturday in Saint-Étienne she will make her major-tournament debut against France as the Lionesses begin the defence of their European crown.

Hannah Hampton’s Road to the Lionesses Goal

Born in Birmingham but schooled in Spanish football during her formative years at Villarreal, Hampton converted from forward to goalkeeper at 11 after corrective eye surgery improved her depth perception. The positional switch unlocked an instinctive shot-stopper with razor-sharp reflexes and distribution good enough to play in midfield. A move to Aston Villa’s centre of excellence, two WSL Team of the Season nods and a free-transfer switch to Chelsea in 2023 have all been rungs on a rapidly ascending ladder. Off the pitch, an obsessive work ethic and extra sessions with Blues’ goalkeeping coach Stuart Searle honed the technical polish that Sarina Wiegman demands.

The Turning Point: Club Form Meets International Opportunity

At Chelsea, Hampton kept 12 clean sheets in 18 league starts last season, including a standout 0-0 at Kingsmeadow against Manchester City that effectively secured a fifth straight WSL title for Emma Hayes’ side. Her save percentage of 83% was the best in the division, while her average pass length of 29 metres demonstrated the range England want to build attacks from deep. With Manchester United wobbling defensively, Hampton’s club form became impossible to ignore.

Why Sarina Wiegman Handed Hampton the Gloves

Wiegman prizes calm distribution, command of the penalty area and reliability under pressure. Hampton ticks each box. Data from the FA’s performance hub shows she claims 34% of high crosses—eight per cent higher than the WSL average—and completes 92% of short passes. Crucially, she has outperformed expected goals on target by 5.6 over the last two seasons, meaning she prevents goals rather than merely saves them. Those metrics, plus her age profile of 23, persuaded Wiegman to install her as first choice during February’s Nations League play-offs, where she conceded just once in 180 minutes against the Netherlands and Italy.

Mary Earps’ Shock Exit and What It Means

Mary Earps led England to Euro 2022 glory and won the Golden Glove at the 2023 World Cup, yet the 32-year-old was left wrestling with persistent hip pain and the emotional fatigue of three relentless seasons. When Wiegman confirmed Hampton’s promotion in March, Earps chose to step away “for the sake of body and mind.” Her retirement has removed a vocal dressing-room leader but also cleared the path for Hampton to impose her own quieter authority. The Lionesses coaching staff believe a settled back line of Jess Carter, Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze will smooth the transition.

Can Hannah Hampton Keep the Spot?

Competition remains fierce. Khiara Keating’s breakout season at Manchester City and Ellie Roebuck’s renaissance at Paris Saint-Germain ensure Hampton cannot afford complacency. However, her adaptability—evident in seamlessly switching from Chelsea’s back-three build-up to England’s 4-3-3—gives her an edge. Wiegman has also been impressed by the way Hampton mentors younger keepers in camp, mirroring the leadership qualities Earps once provided.

Technical Strengths That Fit England’s Evolving Style

1. Sweeper-keeper instincts: Hampton averages 1.2 defensive actions outside the box per 90 minutes, enabling England’s high line.
2. Passing variety: A 65-metre laser to Lauren James or a disguised loft to Keira Walsh—both are in her toolbox.
3. One-hand saves: Her 86th-minute stop from Geyse in the Champions League semi-final drew comparisons with Gordon Banks.

Potential Weaknesses to Watch

Hampton’s aggressive positioning can be exploited by well-placed lobs, as witnessed in Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona. Additionally, the emotional magnitude of replacing an icon cannot be underestimated; a shaky opening performance would invite immediate scrutiny.

Euro 2025: The Stage Is Set for Hampton

England’s group alongside France, Wales and the Netherlands offers a stern examination. Kylian Mbappé’s sister, Ève, leads a French frontline that loves testing keepers with early crosses, while Vivianne Miedema’s return for the Dutch promises shots from all angles. Hampton’s command will be central to England’s ambition of becoming the first nation to retain a Women’s Euro title.

Statline: Hampton vs Earps (Last Two Seasons)

• Clean sheets: 24 vs 19
• Save percentage: 84% vs 79%
• Claims per 90: 1.8 vs 1.2
• Pass completion: 88% vs 77%

Numbers never tell the entire story, but they underline why Wiegman feels the timing is right for change.

Opinion: A Brave, Necessary Evolution

Replacing a legend like Earps is never painless, yet elite sport rewards present form over past glory. Hampton embodies the modern goalkeeper—comfortable with feet, courageous in possession and still years from her peak. While mistakes will inevitably come, investing in her now could pay off for two more World Cup cycles. For England, the gamble feels less risky than standing still.