Hannah Hampton is stepping into the spotlight as England's No. 1 goalkeeper, following Mary Earps's recent retirement from international football. The Chelsea shot-stopper is preparing to take on the challenge of Women's Euro 2025 in Switzerland, aiming to live up to the legacy of her predecessor.

Earps's decision to retire came as a surprise, but Hampton is determined to make the most of the opportunity. She acknowledges the impact Earps has had on women's goalkeeping, stating that Earps "put women's goalkeeping on the map for the younger generation." Hampton recognizes the weight of expectation that comes with the role, but she is focused on giving her best effort to continue the success of the Lionesses.

The 24-year-old Hampton has already had a taste of major tournaments, having been part of the England squads for Euro 2022 and the 2023 World Cup. However, this will be the first time she is stepping into the tournament as the outright first-choice goalkeeper. She has earned 15 caps and kept seven clean sheets since her debut in 2022, and is eager to add to that tally.

Hampton's journey to becoming England's No. 1 has not been without its challenges. She faced negative media scrutiny earlier in her career, which at one point made her consider quitting football. A story surfaced suggesting she had been dropped from the England squad and Aston Villa games because of attitude problems. However, with the support of her family and friends, she found the strength to overcome those difficulties and prove her doubters wrong.

Her resilience is evident. Hampton was born with a squint and underwent several corrective procedures on her eyes as a child. Doctors told her that she couldn't play football and then said to her parents that she wouldn't be able to become a professional, noting she does not have depth perception. Despite these challenges, she has risen to the highest level of the game, showcasing her determination and talent.

Prior to securing the No.1 spot for England, Hampton also demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level by taking over from Zecira Musovic at Chelsea. Now, she faces the even greater challenge of succeeding Earps, who is considered by many to be England's greatest-ever goalkeeper.

With Euro 2025 on the horizon, Hampton is ready to embrace the pressure and lead England's goalkeeping unit. She understands the importance of her role and is committed to giving her all to help the team achieve their goals. The Lionesses will kick off their campaign against France on July 5th, followed by matches against the Netherlands and Wales. Hampton is prepared to face these challenges head-on, aiming to make her own mark on the team's success.