How Hampton's heroics bailed out Lionesses in win against Iceland

When you have a goalkeeper who can bail you out, winning is easier.

England were in total control at half-time of their 1-0 victory over Iceland on Saturday but a nervy second-half display almost cost them.

Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton needed to step up, pulling off three crucial saves late on as Iceland pushed for an equaliser.

Her heroics, after striker Alessia Russo had scored what proved to be the winner in the first half, helped England maintain their 100% record in Women's World Cup qualifying.

It means they sit top of their group with four wins from four and automatic qualification for next year's World Cup remains in their hands.

"It's my job isn't it really? We are in it as a team. I can't be the one scoring goals but I can stop them," Hampton told ITV afterwards.

"We win as a team and that is what we pride ourselves on. We are a pack. [Russo] got a great finish at one end so I had to do my job at the other."

Hampton 'showed up' when needed

Hampton's performance was not a clean one as she fumbled several crosses and was not convincing on set-pieces.

She almost dropped the ball into the path of Sveindis Jonsdottir late on too, but rescued it just in time to spare her blushes.

Hampton's has been patchy of late for Chelsea, but like all world-class players she delivers when it really matters.

She did it against Spain on Tuesday, as England held on to a significant 1-0 win in part thanks to her acrobatic save, denying Edna Imade late on.

At Wembley, her predecessor Mary Earps was being celebrated for her Lionesses career before kick-off, but Hampton has taken her gloves seamlessly, shining at Euro 2025 and now impressing as England look to seal their spot in next year's World Cup.

Despite the spotlight, Hampton was humble at full-time in Iceland, joking about the simplicity of the game and her role within it.

"Alessia [Russo] puts the ball in one end and I stop it going in at the other. It's a simple game when you break it down," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I am just glad I get to be involved. It means I don't freeze to death! I'm always willing to put my body on the line."

But there was no downplaying by England manager Sarina Wiegman, who said Hampton's saves against Iceland were "crucial" to securing the victory.

"It is always a team effort and a team performance but it's really nice to have a goalkeeper that stops the ball going in - especially when it's really hard for the team and they are struggling," added Wiegman.

"That's called teamwork. She showed again that she is a world-class goalkeeper."

Arsenal striker Russo added: "She was amazing. Big moments kept us in it and she showed up three or four times to get us the three points.

"Sometimes you need someone to step up like that."

'A goalkeeper who loves a challenge'

Image caption,

Hannah Hampton was named goalkeeper of the tournament at Euro 2025

Hampton made four saves against Iceland - all in the second half - as England were clinging on.

It was not only the Chelsea goalkeeper who came to England's rescue as Niamh Charles and Lucy Bronze also scrambled goalbound efforts off the line.

Late in the game, Sandra Jessen's touch took her around Hampton but she could not squeeze the ball past Bronze, after the keeper had blocked Alexandra Johannsdottir's effort.

That came after Hampton had scrambled across goal to stop Dilja Zomers' shot bouncing in off the far post and leap to deny Jessen at close range.

"If anyone thought Hampton was just good at the Euros - she has been consistently brilliant ever since," former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.

"She won it for England on Tuesday, and she's kept the game in England's advantage today. Brilliant concentration from her."

If England are to maintain their position at the top of the table, they will need a result in Spain on 5 June - and Hampton could be busy.

The world champions knocked five goals past Ukraine before England battled with Iceland on Saturday night.

But ex-England defender Anita Asante said Hampton's ability gives the team "confidence" in these big World Cup qualifiers.

"That's what goalkeepers are there for, to bail out the defence when they get exploited," she told ITV.

"Hampton makes pivotal and vital saves in vital moments. She's a goalkeeper that loves a challenge and loves being there. She's alert and makes massive saves.

"The mentality to focus on her job and execute actions in vital moments gives the rest of the team the confidence they can manage the momentum swings."

England sit top of group A3, three points ahead of Spain with two games remaining, and there is just one automatic qualification spot up for grabs.

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