Sawt Falasteen - England 'keeper Hampton keen to step out from Earps' shadow

Earps announced her shock retirement from international football last month after falling behind Hampton in competition for the number one jersey.

Hampton, 24, had played back up to Earps as England won Euro 2022 on home soil and reached the final of the World Cup a year later.

Earps decision has put the spotlight on the Chelsea stopper ahead of England's title defence in Switzerland, which begins next month.

"We're going to miss her as a person here. She's a big personality in this team, she glued us all together at times when we needed to," Hampton told reporters on Tuesday.

"I think it's been difficult for everyone to come to terms with what her decision is but we have to respect that.

"I've got to just go and live up to her legacy! I'll give it my best shot for sure."

England coach Sarina Wiegman said she was "disappointed and sad" at Earps' decision so close to the tournament.

Hampton said she had contacted Earps to congratulate her on an international career despite minimal contact between the pair since the new broke.

Earps won the FIFA award for best women's goalkeeper in 2022 and 2023 largely thanks to her exploits in international tournaments.

"I've sent her a text and I've congratulated her on a very successful international career and I think that's all I really can do," added Hampton when pressed on whether there had been contact between the two.

"I don't think there's anything else and I'm not expecting anything back. She's been an unbelievable player."

R.AbuNasser--SF-PST