مدير عام كرة القدم
- Epic contest went all the way to spot-kicks
- Chelsea goalkeeper produced two saves
- England claimed back-to-back Euros titles
Sarina Wiegman’s side found themselves on the back foot for much of that clash in Basel. Alessia Russo was able to find the target during normal time, levelling matters at 1-1, and an enthralling contest would ultimately go the distance.
England had a number of players who put their bodies on the line for the good of the collective cause, with Lucy Bronze revealing that she played the tournament with a broken leg. Hampton was also left bloodied at one stage after taking a blow to the face.
The Chelsea goalkeeper was to make a decisive contribution in a battle of nerves from 12 yards against Spain, with Hampton saving efforts from Arsenal‘s Mariona Caldentey and Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Aitana Bonmati.
Hampton, who inherited the No.1 spot after seeing Euro 2022 winner Mary Earps announce her international retirement in the build-up to another major tournament, was fully prepared for penalties. She had important notes about the direction in which opponents could strike the ball strapped to her arm.
,,
That homework paid off, having also saved a couple of spot-kicks in a chaotic quarter-final shootout with Sweden, and England are once again revelling in bringing football home – with back-to-back European Championship triumphs seeing the Lionesses rewrite the history books.
