Mary Earps, the celebrated Women’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper, has called time on her international career. She was instrumental in the Lionesses’ historic victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. The move has been met with plenty of controversy, especially from her replacement, 24-year-old Chelsea shot-stopper Chelsea Hampton. Hampton said she was inspired to make sure to honor the legacy Earps is leaving her to walk into the spotlight.
In the wake of Earps’ retirement, the discussion around her exceptional career has only grown louder. Earps’ influence extended beyond a nation, as the goalkeeper was awarded for her impact on the pitch by being crowned a two-time FIFA Best winner. Her achievements undoubtedly played a crucial part in propelling England to their first major trophy on home soil in 2022. As Hampton prepares for her next matches, including some friendlies and the group stage of Women’s Euro 2025, she sits down to look back. Earps’ impact on her development as a goalkeeper has been huge.
Hannah Hampton’s Rise and Commitment
Signing for Chelsea from Aston Villa earlier this year, Hannah Hampton made an impressive big step in her career. She’s slightly more exotic for her nimbleness and quick reflexes. As a result, she’s quickly climbed the ranks at both club and national-team ranks. In April, head coach Sarina Wiegman acknowledged Hampton’s progress, stating she was “a little bit ahead” of Earps in terms of form.
Given Earps’ sudden decision to retire, Hampton now finds herself amid the difficult task of filling her predecessor’s massive shoes. “So, I think it’s been difficult for everyone to come to terms with what her decision is,” Hampton remarked. “We have to respect that. Now I have to just go, to realize, live up to her legacy. Looking to meet cities and find solutions, I’ll be taking my best shot.”
Hampton emphasizes the impact that Earps has had on women’s goalkeeping. She notes that Earps’ groundbreaking accomplishments have created a path for future generations. “There’s so many more young boys and girls taking part in goalkeeping, which was never the case when I was growing up,” she stated.
Addressing Scrutiny
Although Mary Earps had a well-deserved, remarkable career, retirement has not escaped public critique. Hampton believes Earps should not have been laid so low for making perhaps the biggest call a goalkeeper can make. “I think there’s been quite a bit of scrutiny that she probably doesn’t deserve with everything that she’s achieved in the game,” Hampton expressed.
This sentiment is an indication of a much larger realization across the sporting world that athletes shouldn’t be forced to deal with excessive expectations and scrutiny. Hampton recommends giving scope and consideration to Earps’ decisions as she begins a much different journey in life.
Hampton found Earps’ email address, and sent off a congratulatory note after the announcement, fully not expecting to hear back. “I think I’ve done everything I need to do. I’ve sent her a text and I congratulated her on a very successful international career,” she said.
Looking Ahead
In the meantime, England will look forward to their matches against Jamaica, France, the Netherlands and Wales in the group stage of Women’s Euro 2025. At the same time, though, Hampton knows it’s up to her to step into that role as the undisputed top goalkeeper.
Hampton thinks back on her feelings after the previous World Cup and Euros. She treasures these memories and draws upon them as fuel to succeed even more deeply in her career. The pressure of following in Earps’ footsteps is keenly felt, but Hampton’s focused on doing the job, no matter what.
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