Iceland 0-1 England: How Hannah Hampton’s heroics bailed out Lionesses

Hampton’s performance was not clean as he fumbled a few crosses and was unconvincing from set pieces.

He almost knocked the ball into the path of Sveindis Jonsdottir late on, but he saved it just in time to save himself the blushes.

Hampton’s form has been erratic for Chelsea of ​​late, but like all world-class players he comes through when it really matters.

She did so against Spain on Tuesday, as England secured a crucial 1-0 win thanks in part to her acrobatic save to deny Edna Imade late on.

Her predecessor at Wembley, Mary Earps, was being celebrated for her Lioness career before kick-off, but Hampton picked up the gloves without issue, shining at Euro 2025 and now impressing as England look to book their place at next year’s World Cup.

Despite all the limelight, Hampton remained low-key in Iceland full-time, joking about the simplicity of the game and his role in it.

“Alessia [Russo] I put the ball at one end and prevent it from going in at the other end. When you break it down it looks like a simple game,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I’m so glad I got involved in this. It means I won’t freeze to death! I’m always willing to risk my body.”

But England manager Sarina Wiegman did not belittle Hampton, saying his saves against Iceland were “crucial” to secure victory.

“It’s always a team effort and a team performance, but it’s really nice to have a goalkeeper who stops the ball from going in – especially when it’s really hard for the team and they’re struggling,” Wiegman added.

“This is called teamwork. He showed once again that he is a world-class goalkeeper.”

Arsenal striker Russo added: “He was brilliant. Big moments kept us in it and he came on three or four times and got us three points.

“Sometimes you need someone to step up like that.”