Initially a striker, Hampton was a part of the Villarreal academy and solely made the swap to being a goalkeeper aged 12 at Stoke Metropolis after her household had returned to England.
Quick ahead to 2025, and he or she is England’s primary on the European Championships.
Nevertheless, her place because the Lionesses’ first-choice shot-stopper was not totally definitive till six weeks in the past, with Mary Earps nonetheless difficult for the jersey proper up till her shock retirement from worldwide obligation.
The absence of Earps – the Golden Glove winner on the 2023 World Cup – left questions over Hampton’s potential to deal with the strain of a significant event.
The Chelsea keeper’s efficiency in opposition to the Netherlands has now put a few of these doubts to relaxation.
Whereas she had only a few saves to make, she impressed with the ball at her toes – serving to England get their title defence again on observe after their 2-1 defeat by France of their opening sport.
“The primary job is to forestall targets however if in case you have a goalkeeper who performs effectively [with her feet], that is an added worth,” stated England boss Sarina Wiegman after the win over her residence nation.
“She’s a superb passer. She’s actually good along with her toes, we all know that, proper and left. And at the moment she received it proper in the suitable moments.”
