Sarina Wiegman’s bold decision to promote Hannah Hampton ahead of Mary Earps divided fan sentiment. But recent performances suggest it might be one of the smartest moves the England manager has made in years.
A steady, game-changing presence
Hannah Hampton’s journey to becoming England’s first-choice goalkeeper has been far from straightforward.
After spells with Birmingham and Aston Villa, she reached a low point around Euro 2022, so much so that she considered quitting football altogether. Her fortunes changed dramatically after her 2023 move to Chelsea.
Under Emma Hayes’ guidance, Hampton developed into one of the most reliable and well-rounded goalkeepers in the Women’s Super League.
And now, under Hayes’ successor Sonia Bompastor, Hampton has only continued to grow into the game.
In the 2024/25 WSL season, Hampton kept 13 clean sheets, won the Golden Glove, and conceded just 13 goals in 22 matches.
Her composure, vocal command, and vastly improved distribution made her a standout performer, while her ability to handle high-pressure moments signalled she was ready for the next level.
It’s also worth noting that Mary Earps retired from international football earlier this year, announcing her decision just before England began their European title defence.
While the timing of her exit caught many by surprise, it opened the door for Hampton to step forward fully, and she has seized the moment.
Outperforming expectations at Euro 2025
The backlash to Hampton’s promotion was loud – some supporters even booed the decision, but she’s responded emphatically on the pitch.
In England’s 4-0 win over the Netherlands, Hampton played a key role in the opening goal with an outstanding pass that caught the Dutch defence off guard.
That moment alone underlined why Wiegman trusts her so much.
In that match and others, Hampton has showcased exceptional distribution and calmness in high-stakes scenarios. She is a vital player in each team she plays for.
Hampton hasn’t just filled the No. 1 shirt – she’s owned it.
The tactical evolution
What makes Hannah Hampton so valuable to Wiegman’s England isn’t just her shot-stopping. She plays the role of a modern goalkeeper with a skill set built for possession-based football.
Her distribution gives England a second playmaker, and her decision-making under pressure is becoming a key part of the team’s build-up play.
Statistically, she’s been among the WSL’s top performers, with a save percentage of 79%.
Her ability to initiate counterattacks with long passes and her willingness to play off her line add a new tactical dimension to England’s game.
Back in April, Wiegman herself admitted that Hampton is “a little bit ahead” of Earps, which makes her continued selection even more significant.
The coaching team clearly view her as a long-term No. 1, and so far, she’s giving them no reason to think otherwise.
