England's women's football team has welcomed back goalkeeper Hannah Hampton after a year away from the squad. The 23-year-old Aston Villa shot-stopper has been recalled by manager Sarina Wiegman ahead of the Lionesses' friendly against Switzerland.
Hampton's return comes after impressive performances at club level, where she's kept five clean sheets in her last six Women's Super League appearances. Her recall provides competition for first-choice goalkeeper Mary Earps and backup Ellie Roebuck.
A Second Chance for Hampton
The talented goalkeeper last featured for England in April 2023 before being left out of Wiegman's World Cup squad. Her return signals the manager's willingness to give players opportunities to regain their place through strong club form.
"Hannah has shown great consistency and quality in recent months," a team spokesperson commented. "Her performances warranted another look at international level."
Switzerland Test Ahead
The recall comes at a crucial time as England prepare for their first match of 2024 against Switzerland on Saturday. The friendly at Molineux Stadium will serve as important preparation for upcoming European Championship qualifiers.
Wiegman has named a strong 23-player squad, with Hampton joining established stars like Chloe Kelly and Keira Walsh. The match offers valuable playing time ahead of more competitive fixtures later in the year.
Goalkeeping Depth a Priority
England's goalkeeping department has seen increased competition in recent years. While Earps remains first choice after her World Cup heroics, Wiegman appears keen to maintain depth in this crucial position.
Hampton's recall suggests the Dutch manager is planning for the long term, with the 2025 European Championships already on the horizon. The young goalkeeper now has the chance to stake her claim for more regular involvement with the national team.
