England's Hannah Hampton delivered a standout performance in the Lionesses' 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, but it was her emotional post-match tribute that truly captured hearts. The goalkeeper dedicated the win to her late grandfather, who passed away earlier this year.
Speaking after the match, Hampton revealed: "I lost my grandad in January, and he was my biggest fan. He never missed a game, so this one was for him." The 23-year-old's heartfelt words resonated with fans and teammates alike.
Commanding Performance Between the Posts
Hampton put in a confident display at the Aviva Stadium, keeping a clean sheet against a determined Irish side. Her assured handling and crucial saves helped England maintain their perfect start to the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
The Aston Villa keeper's performance was particularly impressive given her recent return to the squad after being left out of last year's World Cup selection. Manager Sarina Wiegman praised Hampton's resilience, stating: "She's worked incredibly hard and shown great character to come back stronger."
A Special Moment in Dublin
The match in Dublin held extra significance for Hampton, who explained: "My grandad was Irish, so to play here and keep a clean sheet makes it even more special." Her emotional tribute highlighted the personal stories behind international football.
Teammates rallied around Hampton after the match, with captain Leah Williamson saying: "We're all so proud of Hannah. She's been through a lot, and to perform like that shows her strength."
England's victory leaves them top of their qualifying group as they continue their defence of the European Championship title they won in 2022.
