Who Starts for England in Euro 2025: Hampton or Earps?
The battle for the England women's national team's starting goalkeeper spot is heating up, with Mary Earps and Hannah Hampton both vying for the position heading into Euro 2025.
The competition is fierce, and both players bring unique strengths to the table. Here's a breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses, and a look at who might have the edge for the starting role in the upcoming tournament.
Mary Earps: The Experienced Leader
Mary Earps, the current starting goalkeeper, has been a key figure in England's recent success. Her strong performances at the 2023 Women's World Cup, where she won the Golden Glove award, solidified her position as the team's number one.
Earps' Strengths:
- Commanding Presence: Earps exudes confidence and leadership, providing a calming influence on the backline.
- World-Class Shot-Stopping: Her ability to make crucial saves, often in high-pressure situations, has been consistently impressive.
- Excellent Communication: Earps is vocal and clear in her communication with her defenders, helping to organize the defense.
Earps' Potential Weaknesses:
- Distribution: While improving, Earps' distribution from the back can still be inconsistent, leading to potential turnovers.
- Age: At 30, Earps is approaching the latter stages of her career, though her form suggests she has plenty left in the tank.
Hannah Hampton: The Rising Star
Hannah Hampton, a rising star in the Women's Super League, is a strong contender for the starting goalkeeper position. Her impressive performances for Aston Villa have caught the eye of many, including England manager Sarina Wiegman.
Hampton's Strengths:
- Athleticism: Hampton is an incredibly agile goalkeeper with exceptional reflexes.
- Distribution: Her precise distribution from the back is a major asset, allowing her to start attacks quickly.
- Youth and Potential: At just 22, Hampton has significant room for growth and development.
Hampton's Potential Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Performances: While Hampton has shown flashes of brilliance, her performances can sometimes be inconsistent.
- International Experience: Hampton lacks the vast international experience that Earps possesses, which could be a factor in high-pressure situations.
The Verdict: A Tight Race
Ultimately, the decision of who starts for England in Euro 2025 will come down to Sarina Wiegman's tactical preferences and assessment of the team's needs.
While Earps' experience and reliability make her a strong contender, Hampton's potential and exciting style of play could give her the edge.
Both players are talented and capable of leading the team to success, making the competition for the starting goalkeeper spot a thrilling one to watch.
The race for the starting goalkeeper position is far from over, and the battle between Earps and Hampton promises to be intense and exciting as England prepares for the Euro 2025 tournament.