England's Lionesses shared a heartwarming moment ahead of their clash with Sweden, as goalkeeper Hannah Hampton joined the squad via FaceTime despite being left out of the matchday lineup.
The emotional call, which took place just before kick-off, saw Hampton cheering on her teammates from afar. Her presence, albeit virtual, clearly lifted spirits in the dressing room.
A Squad United
Manager Sarina Wiegman had made the tough decision to exclude Hampton from the 23-player squad for the Women's Euro 2025 qualifier. However, the team ensured she remained part of the occasion through technology.
"It was important for us to have Hannah with us in spirit," said captain Leah Williamson. "She's been working incredibly hard in training, and we wanted her to know she's still very much part of this team."
Fan Reactions Pour In
The touching moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans praising the squad's unity. Many supporters shared screenshots of the emotional FaceTime session, with one tweeting: "This is what team spirit looks like!"
Hampton herself later posted on Instagram: "Always proud to be a Lioness, whether on the pitch or supporting from the sidelines."
Focus on Sweden Showdown
The incident highlighted the strong bonds within the England camp as they prepared for their crucial qualifier against Sweden. The match ended in a hard-fought draw, keeping England's Euro 2025 qualification hopes alive.
Wiegman commented post-match: "These moments show the character of our team. Every player, whether selected or not, contributes to our success."
