Hannah Hampton has cemented her position as England’s number one goalkeeper. This is such a forward-looking position, the expectations are very high, as this team prepares for Euro 2025 on home soil. The 22-year-old has transitioned from a promising talent to a key player, having honed her skills through experiences in various teams and competitions.
Hampton’s road to the national team started at Birmingham City, where she quickly established herself as a top young talent between the posts. While she was there, she learned important skills that would help her flourish in much more high stakes settings later on. As Hampton transitioned to Aston Villa, she made her development and growth a priority. That beginner’s luck had given her invaluable experience that molded her into the player she is today.
Her performances at Chelsea only helped to solidify her status further as an icon of women’s football. Whether it was winning consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) championships or establishing herself as Chelsea’s first-choice keeper, Famewo left her stamp on the game. That success certainly wasn’t just due to her physical tools but impressive passing accuracy. She completed a phenomenal 92% of her passes in her own half during the 2023/24 season. In the clip below, her great influence on the team’s build-up play is on full display.
What really distinguishes Hampton from so many of her peers is her distribution skills. Her technical ability makes her comfortable with either foot, which helps her connect and create with teammates, pull off clinical transitions and unlock defenses at will. Her comfort with the ball at her feet illustrates a new school method of goalkeeping. This skill is essential to deliver the tactical demands placed on them by England’s manager, Sarina Wiegman.
Mental toughness is yet another hallmark of Hampton’s game. Having played as Mary Earps’ deputy during the last two major tournaments, she has been put under extreme pressure and greater scrutiny. Even when in a supporting role, she took every chance to educate herself and develop her skill set, bettering herself for when this moment would come.
So while she served as a backup goalkeeper, Hampton was able to closely observe Earps. She gathered a wealth of knowledge from Earps’ long tenure in the role. As she steps into the shoes of England’s new number one, the pressure will be more intense than ever.
“Obviously, Mary has got the experience but the only real difference I could see on the pitch was the fact that Hannah’s distribution is that little bit better in terms of being both footed.” – Sue Smith
Hampton’s numbers from last season only serve to underscore her preparedness for this battle. Her aims were far exceeded by those of Earps at Manchester United. This highlights her talent to come up with key saves and clean sheets.
Our national team is still getting ready for Euro 2025. Beyond setting a remarkable example, it’s imperative for Hampton to remain cool under fire as things heat up. Fans and analysts alike will be looking to check those boxes. If her previous experiences are any indication, she can take the heat.
“She wants the goalkeeper to be able to do both. She wants to build from the back, go through the defence and into midfield, but also go direct if the opportunity is on for a quick transition, so I think that is a bonus and the main reason Hannah has the shirt.” – Sue Smith
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