Hannah Hampton has been instrumental in England’s Euro 2025 victory, overcoming a backlash and stepping into the large shoes of Mary Earps. The Chelsea goalkeeper saved two penalties in the final to help the Lionesses clinch back-to-back European Championships, showcasing her skill and composure under pressure.
Hannah Hampton has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with in women’s football, guiding the England Lionesses to back-to-back Euro Championships triumphs in Euro 2025, despite facing early adversity. Replacing Mary Earps in goal, Hampton played a pivotal role in England’s stunning victory, culminating in a heroic performance in the final against Spain, where she saved two penalties in the shootout to secure the title.
The Road to Redemption for Hampton
Hampton’s journey to glory in Euro 2025 was not without its hurdles. She was thrust into the limelight following Earps’ shock retirement from international duty, facing significant backlash from fans and critics. Despite the weight of those expectations, Hampton demonstrated immense resilience and composure throughout the tournament, silencing her detractors with her performances on the field.
Not only did Hampton shine in the final, but she also played a key role in the quarter-final against Sweden, where she saved two penalties to keep her team on track for the trophy. Her ability to rise to the occasion under immense pressure speaks volumes about her mental fortitude and talent.
Karen Bardsley’s Praise: Does Hampton Realize Her Greatness?
Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, speaking on The Sports Agents podcast, reflected on Hampton’s understated brilliance. Bardsley believes that Hampton may not fully grasp how exceptional she truly is. “She’s quite understated, isn’t she? In the way she kind of goes about things,” said Bardsley. “And the things that she can do… she’s incredible!”
Bardsley went on to explain how Hampton’s ability to handle the Mary Earps backlash without letting it affect her shows the immense pressure she was under. “The shirt is a big responsibility,” Bardsley added. “But she handled that… she’s added a lovely layer to it.”
Hampton’s calm and composed demeanor on the pitch, especially considering the personal and professional challenges she faced, only enhances her growing reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in women’s football. Serena Wiegman, the Lionesses’ manager, also saw her potential, and the decision to place Hampton in goal paid off in spectacular fashion.
The Tactical Mastery of Hampton’s Distribution
While Hampton’s penalty-saving heroics grabbed the headlines, her distribution throughout the tournament was another standout feature of her game. Bardsley highlighted an incisive pass in the quarter-final against Sweden, which cut through the entire Dutch team with precision, ultimately creating a key opportunity for England. “Her distribution is a weapon,” said Bardsley, underscoring the importance of Hampton’s ability to launch swift counter-attacks and orchestrate play from the back.
What’s Next for Hampton and the Lionesses?
Now that the Lionesses have returned home as Euro 2025 champions, Hampton will have some time to reflect on her historic role in the team’s success. She has silenced critics, proven her worth as a world-class goalkeeper, and firmly established herself as one of England’s brightest talents.
The upcoming 2025-26 season will be an opportunity for Hampton to continue her rise within women’s football, building on her Euro triumph to further solidify her place as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. For now, she can bask in the glory of her achievements, knowing she has overcome adversity to lead her country to glory.
