Hannah Hampton says she is going to do her finest to fill the gloves of the goalkeepers who got here earlier than her at this summers European Championship.
Mary Earpss shock worldwide retirement on the finish of Could left Chelseas Hampton as Englands No 1 forward of their Euros title defence in Switzerland.
Hampton, 24, has saved seven clear sheets in 15 senior appearances, however has by no means performed at a significant worldwide match.
When requested about her journey at a media day forward of the match, Hampton instructed reporters: Did I feel, once I was a younger woman, Id be sitting right here proper now within the place I’m? Completely not, however am I proud and am I trying ahead to the challenges forward? Sure.
Im going to be making an attempt my best possible to fill the gloves of the keepers (who got here) earlier than and the success theyve had.
Earpss retirement at age 32 got here as a shock to go coach Sarina Wiegman, who admitted she was dissatisfied by the Paris Saint-Germain gamers choice.
Nonetheless, Hampton was already in pole place for the beginning spot on the Euros earlier than Earps stepped again. She had began three consecutive matches throughout February and April and Wiegman confirmed after these video games that the Chelsea keeper was a bit bit forward of Earps.
With Earps retired and backups (Orlando Prides Anna Moorhouse and Manchester Citys Khiara Keating) having no worldwide caps, Hampton is the undisputed No 1.
Getting that little bit of readability already helps you put together for no matter your position is, Hampton instructed reporters. My position is totally different this time round in comparison with the final tournaments however its not going to vary my mindset. Im there to take pleasure in myself, do the nation proud with all the women, and get reminiscences.
Requested about Earps retirement, Hampton added: We’ve to clearly respect what her choice is.
I feel theres been fairly a little bit of scrutiny that she most likely doesnt deserve with all the pieces that shes achieved within the recreation and clearly put womens goalkeeping on the map for the youthful era.
Ive despatched her a textual content and I congratulated her on a really profitable worldwide profession and I feel thats all I actually can do.
Hampton additionally paid tribute to Earps as a giant character within the England fold. She stated: I dont suppose I may safely say Im most likely as vocal or as large a character as Mary, when she was enjoying (for England).
Its most likely one factor I’ve obtained to study from loads.
England play Jamaica on June 29, their remaining recreation earlier than kicking off their Euros title defence towards France on July 5. In addition they face the Netherlands and Wales of their group.
This text initially appeared in The Athletic.
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