6 hours ago
9
England’s new No 1 goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton, has said that ‘everyone has found it difficult to come to terms’ with Mary Earps’ decision to retire on the eve of the upcoming European Championships – but insisted that it’s a move ‘we have to respect’.
The 24-year-old Chelsea shot-stopper had been in a battle with Earps to become first choice for the tournament in Switzerland until only a couple of months ago.
With it becoming increasingly clear that Hampton was set to win the race, Earps, 32, sent shockwaves through the sporting world by ending her international footballing career five weeks before the Lionesses’ Euros title defence.
Speaking for the first time since Earps’ withdrawal, Hampton said: ‘First of all, we have to respect her decision.
'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, as well as putting women's goalkeeping on the map for the younger generation. Goalkeeping was never really a thing, and Mary's changed that.’
In terms of reaching out to Earps, Hampton said: ‘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, and I think that's all I really can do.
England ’s new No 1, Hannah Hampton, has given her thoughts on Mary Earps' retirement
The Chelsea shot-stopper (left) had been in a battle with Earps (right) to become first choice
‘I don't think there's anything else, and I don't really... I'm not expecting anything back. She's been an unbelievable player. We're going to miss her as a person here. She's a big personality in this team and she glued us all together at times when we needed to.'
She added: ‘I think it's been difficult for everyone to come to terms with what her decision is, but we have to respect that. And now I've just got to go and live up to her legacy. I'll give it my best shot, for sure.’
Hampton had previously been Earps’ deputy in the last two major tournaments – at the 2022 Euros and the 2023 World Cup.
And she was keen to reassure fans that she is not feeling the pressure amidst all the noise, particularly now that she is the only capped goalkeeper in the squad.
‘There’s not really much pressure that you can put on yourself,’ she said. ‘We’re here as a big team and we’ll get through the games as a big team, whether that’s me starting or me on the sidelines supporting.
‘My role is different this time around compared to the last tournaments, but it’s not going to change my mindset.
'I’m here to enjoy myself, do the nation proud with all the girls and make some more memories.’
Manchester City’s Khiara Keating, 20, and Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse, 30, join Hampton to form this summer’s goalkeeping squad. And Hampton touched on Moorhouse’s NWSL experience – including winning the league title with Orlando Pride last year – as well as Keating’s Champions League experience with City.
It had become increasingly clear that Hampton was set to win the race to start the tournament
‘They're experienced themselves – maybe not internationally – but at the same time, if they ever play a game internationally, they're ready for it,’ Hampton said.
‘I think us as a keeper group, we’re just there to get around one another, support one another, and we know whoever's going to be on that pitch is going to be putting in 100 per cent and doing a very good job for England to get that win.’ result that we need.’
