England's new keeper Hampton shines with deft pass against Dutch
ZURICH: Goalkeepers are used to being praised for their handling, but England's Hannah Hampton is being lauded by teammates for her passing vision, particularly in the 4-0 win over the Netherlands that got their Women's Euro title defense back on track. Hampton unleashed a long ball in the 21st minute on Wednesday that split two Dutch defenders and landed perfectly ahead of the sprinting Alessia Russo, who took a couple of touches before passing to Lauren James who smashed the ball in. '(The pass) was unreal,' Russo said. 'That set the tone for that move. As soon as I saw that ball coming in, I knew I didn't even have to touch it and I could turn.'
The win was a major statement from the reigning champions having been heavily criticized after losing their Group D opener 2-1 to France. England were rocked when experienced goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her international retirement weeks before the tournament.
However, Hampton's teammates have had nothing but praise for the 24-year-old in her major tournament debut, with Lucy Bronze describing her contribution to their first goal on Wednesday as 'really special'. 'Brilliant passes, she's very good with her feet,' manager Sarina Wiegman said.
The Chelsea player's ball distribution is all the more remarkable considering she was born with an eye condition called strabismus that affects depth perception. She underwent three surgeries before the age of three. Being able to judge distance is crucial for a goalkeeper.
'I've had many, many nosebleeds. A lot of broken fingers,' she told iNews recently. 'I'd try and catch (the ball) and it would hit the top (of the hand).' Hampton, who is a charity ambassador for Birmingham Children's Hospital where she was treated, hopes her story inspires others.
'I want to change people's mindsets because I was told I wasn't supposed to be playing football but I am, and I'm at one of the highest levels you can be at,' she added. 'There's always hope.' — Reuters
England will reach the quarter-finals if they beat Wales on Sunday, or if they draw and the Netherlands do not beat France. They can also advance if they avoid defeat by four goals or more and the Dutch lose. – Reuters
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England's new keeper Hampton shines with deft pass against Dutch
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