It was, as Sarina Wiegman said, a “fairytale”. But Hannah Hampton had believed from the start, having proved everyone wrong by just reaching Euro 2025. Even when Hampton overcame the doubts and the advice of doctors who said she would not become a goalkeeper, she did not think the England fans would welcome her after replacing a legend between the posts in Mary Earps.
Hampton finished the Euros as England’s hero in the penalty shootout win over Spain, perhaps as the tournament’s best player, and with Wiegman jumping into her arms after saving the spot kicks from Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey. “Every player has her own story and her journey has been incredible too,” Wiegman said. “It’s a little bit like a fairytale when you then stop those penalties in the final.”
