‘She’s a little bit ahead’ – Sarina Wiegman gives verdict on battle to be Lionesses No. 1 after Hannah Hampton starts ahead of Mary Earps again

Sarina Wiegman has confirmed that Hannah Hampton is a "little bit ahead" of Mary Earps in her England pecking order.

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• Hampton starts against Belgium
• Earps benched once again
• Wiegman comments on selection dilemma

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wiegman opted to play Chelsea goalkeeper Hampton between the sticks against Belgium instead of PSG stopper Earps, who has become a Lionesses legend in recent years. The latter is 32, however, while Hampton is 24, and Wiegman may be minded to look to the future. Hampton also started in England's 5-0 win over Belgium in the return fixture.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Earps has won 53 caps while Hampton has won 13 – including her selection against Belgium – but the PSG stopper has furthered her legend by lifting silverware, playing a key role as England became European Champions in 2022 on home soil. Now, though, Wiegman believes Hampton has emerged as a potential new No.1.

• WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

  Wiegman told ITV: “At this moment, she’s a little bit ahead. We have two world-class goalkeepers so it’s been a really hard decision. But at this moment, Hannah is a little bit ahead.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After playing Belgium, England face Portugal on May 30. It is unclear if Hampton or Earps will be in goal that night.