Lauren Hemp hails 'thriving' Hannah Hampton as England goalkeeper impresses at Euro 2025 after replacing Mary Earps

England forward Hemp has lavished national team-mate Hampton with immense praise, claiming the Chelsea goalkeeper is "thriving" in her role as the Lionesses' first-choice goalkeeper at the ongoing Euro 2025 following the retirement of the legendary Earps.

Hampton made her international debut for the senior women's team in 2022, being named in the squads for Euro 2022 and the 2023 Women's World Cup. However, she had to make do with a reserve role behind Earps, who was named in the Euro 2022 Team of the Tournament as England emerged victorious. She also won the Golden Glove at the 2023 World Cup, where England finished runners-up to Spain. Hampton, though, started getting more opportunities under Sarina Wiegman following Earps' injury in May 2024. In fact, in April 2025, Wiegman clearly stated that the 24-year-old was ahead of the veteran PSG custodian. "I have two world-class goalkeepers. At the moment, [Hannah] is a little bit ahead," the head coach said. Earps, with 53 caps and 26 clean sheets to her name, shockingly announced her retirement in May 2025 at the age of 32. Hampton has taken over the reins and was the only capped goalkeeper to be named in the squad for Euro 2025.

Speaking to ITV, Hemp said: “Yeah I feel like Hannah is thriving in this tournament. I was witnessing that ball fly across to the other side of the pitch and I was in awe. It was a great pass in for that first goal.

“Hannah’s unbelievable, she’s great with the ball at her feet and she has proven… you’ve seen all the saves she has made in the last couple of games and she kept a really good clean sheet for us which was so important on Wednesday. She is incredible to have in goal and she’s a great person as well.”

After producing two top displays, Hampton will be aiming to help England qualify for the quarter-finals when they take on neighbours Wales on Sunday, July 13.