England's number one goalkeeper Mary Earps has broken her silence on the surprising exclusion of fellow shot-stopper Hannah Hampton from Sarina Wiegman's latest Lionesses squad, describing the situation as "really disappointing" for the talented keeper.
Wiegman's Goalkeeping Shake-Up
The football world was taken aback when Sarina Wiegman announced her squad for England's upcoming Euro 2025 qualifying matches against France, with Hannah Hampton's name conspicuously absent. The Chelsea goalkeeper, who made a high-profile move from Aston Villa last summer, has found herself out in the cold despite her undeniable talent.
"It's a shame," Earps told reporters when pressed on Hampton's omission. "Hannah's a great goalkeeper and I'm sure she'll be back in the mix soon."
Rising Competition Between the Posts
The battle for England's goalkeeping positions has intensified dramatically in recent years. While Earps remains the undisputed first choice following her heroic performances in England's European Championship triumph and World Cup final appearance, the competition beneath her has become fiercely competitive.
Manchester City's Khiara Keating and Tottenham's Becky Spencer have both been selected ahead of Hampton, signalling Wiegman's preference for their current form and reliability.
Hampton's Rocky Road
Hampton's international journey has been anything but straightforward. The 23-year-old was previously left out of Wiegman's squads in 2022 before making a triumphant return ahead of the World Cup. Her latest exclusion comes despite making 13 appearances for Chelsea this season, though she's largely served as backup to first-choice Zecira Musovic.
"It's never easy when you see a teammate go through this," Earps continued, showing solidarity with her fellow professional. "We're a tight-knit group and we support each other through the highs and lows."
What Next for England's Keepers?
With crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers looming against Group A3 leaders France, Wiegman has clearly opted for stability and current form in her goalkeeping selections. The decision highlights the Dutch coach's unwavering commitment to picking players based on merit and consistency rather than reputation alone.
As the Lionesses prepare for their toughest test since the World Cup, all eyes will be on how this goalkeeping dynamic evolves in the coming months.
