England manager Sarina Wiegman has reaffirmed her commitment to decisions made in the pursuit of victory, specifically addressing her choice to install Hannah Hampton as the team’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Mary Earps.
Speaking after announcing her squad for upcoming matches against China and Ghana, Wiegman reflected on the period of transition. She expressed appreciation for her time working with Earps but stated clearly that, given the same circumstances, she would not alter her course of action.
The goalkeeping change, which preceded last summer’s European Championship, saw Hampton take the starting role from Earps, who had been England’s number one during the 2022 Euros and the 2023 World Cup. The decision was widely seen as tactical, aligning with a team philosophy that highly values a goalkeeper’s ability with the ball at their feet.
Wiegman addressed the inherent challenges of management, noting that individual perceptions of events can differ. “My reality and someone else’s reality can be different,” she stated, underscoring her focus on fostering a transparent environment. “I just know that I want to create a setting where we speak openly, where I provide clarity, and where I make decisions to win.”
Hampton’s subsequent performances at the European Championship validated the selection, with her crucial penalty saves in the knockout stages playing a pivotal role in England’s triumph.
When questioned about private discussions with players, Wiegman maintained her policy of confidentiality. “I always keep conversations private,” she explained, emphasizing that this principle is foundational to building trust within the squad. This approach, she believes, encourages openness and strengthens team cohesion both on and off the pitch.
For the final international window of the year, Hampton is unavailable due to a quad injury. Brighton’s Sophie Baggaley has been called up alongside Khiara Keating and Anna Moorehouse as goalkeeping options. The squad also sees a first senior call-up for London City Lionesses forward Freya Godfrey, following her impressive club form.
Defender Jess Carter has been rested after a demanding club schedule, and forward Lauren James continues her fitness rehabilitation and was not considered for selection.
England will face China at Wembley Stadium on November 29th, where a crowd exceeding 80,000 is expected, before hosting Ghana at St Mary’s Stadium three days later.