Hampton ´a little bit ahead´ of Earps in race for Lionesses´ number one shirt, says Wiegman

Sarina Wiegman says Hannah Hampton is “a little bit ahead” of counterpart Mary Earps, as the battle to be England’s number one intensifies.

Earps has played a key role for the Lionesses in recent years, having been an ever-present during their Euro 2022 success and run to the 2023 World Cup final.

However, Hampton has been preferred in six of England’s 10 most recent matches – including each of their last three Nations League matches – while keeping six clean sheets in her 13 caps.

And with the European Championship on the horizon, Wiegman suggested the Chelsea goalkeeper is the frontrunner to start between the sticks when her side launch their title defence.

“I have two world-class goalkeepers,” she told ITV. “At the moment, [Hannah] is a little bit ahead.”

Hampton has established herself as the Blues’ first-choice stopper this season, conceding just 13 goals in 18 matches in the Women’s Super League.

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Former England midfielder Karen Carney believes the clarity on the situation will serve the Lionesses well in the long run.

“You often hear goalkeepers say there has to be a clear number one and, maybe, Sarina Wiegman’s helping Hannah prepare for that,” she told ITV.

“And also showing Mary Earps that Hannah’s in ahead of you, and this is going to happen at the tournament, and preparing her for that.”

Earps, meanwhile, has let in only 12 goals in 17 Premiere Ligue games for Paris Saint-Germain this term since making the switch from Manchester United.

Former Lionesses striker Ellen White feels she may find it difficult to adapt to falling down the pecking order.

“Mary has been absolutely phenomenal,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Her experience on the international stage, tournament after tournament, so it’s going to be challenging for her if she is number two.”