New No 1 was barely tested but up front things are coming together for the Euro title defence
The week leading up to the Nations League win over Portugal was dominated by the news of Mary Earps’s retirement from international football 39 days before the European champions begin their title defence. The supremely talented Hannah Hampton had slowly moved into pole position for the starting spot in Switzerland, with Sarina Wiegman having said the Chelsea keeper was a little ahead of Earps, the Euro 2022 and 2023 World Cup No 1. Hampton has performed well when given the chance to start, but how she will cope with the pressure of being first choice long-term? Portugal were perfect opponents to ease her way in, England’s utter domination in the 6-0 win leaving her very little to do. Spain will offer a far greater test on Tuesday but Hampton, whose distribution is superior, was preferred to Earps against the world champions in February.
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