Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton is making a strong case to retain her position as England’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Mary Earps, following her incredible performance in Chelsea’s 2024-25 Women’s Super League (WSL) opener. Hampton’s crucial saves helped Chelsea secure a 2-0 win against Aston Villa, earning three valuable points.
What Happened?
Chelsea kicked off their WSL campaign with a gritty win against Aston Villa, thanks in no small part to Hampton’s goalkeeping heroics. Villa put intense pressure on Chelsea’s defense, but Hampton stood tall. She denied Rachel Daly’s powerful front-post effort and tipped a goal-bound header from Sabrina D’Angelo over the bar, ensuring a clean sheet and a hard-fought victory for her team.
What Hampton Said
Speaking to Chelsea’s official media after the match, Hampton reflected on her performance. “It’s about being alert and staying focused,” she said. “You might train hard and face hundreds of shots in a week, but sometimes, it all comes down to just two key moments at the end of a game. That’s why we do what we do – to be ready for those moments. It was a solid first game, but there’s a lot more I want to develop in my game.”
The Bigger Picture
Hampton’s outstanding performance against Villa solidified her standing as a serious contender for England’s starting goalkeeper role. She has already played in four of England’s last five matches, including the recent Euro qualifiers, which has intensified the competition with Mary Earps. Despite this, Hampton knows she has to continue improving, especially with what is shaping up to be the toughest WSL season yet.
“I know I can do better, and we as a team can improve,” Hampton noted. “This season is going to be tougher than ever, and we need to keep working on our game.”
Did You Know?
The competition between Hampton and Earps for the starting role in next summer’s European Championship is heating up. Earps, now playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), faces a challenging season after PSG’s recent exit from the UEFA Women’s Champions League, losing 5-2 on aggregate to Juventus. Hampton, on the other hand, is making a strong case with her performances in the WSL.
What’s Next for Hampton and Earps?
Hampton is set to return to action with Chelsea against Crystal Palace in the WSL on Friday. Meanwhile, Mary Earps will aim for a clean sheet when PSG face Guingamp in their league fixture on Sunday.