How Hannah Hampton helped England to vital win over Iceland | OneFootball

Hannah Hampton lifts Euro 2025 trophy after crucial saves in penalty shootout against Spain

Hannah Hampton pulled off two important saves as England defeated Iceland 1-0 in Reykjavik – and stayed on top of their Women’s World Cup qualification group.

Alessia Russo had given the Lionesses the lead in the 21st minute, sending them in a goal up at the break.

But in the second half, the hosts were much more on the front foot – and Hampton made two close-range saves in the last ten minutes to preserve England’s advantage, first grabbing the ball as it bounced off the post from a Dilja Zomers shot, and then using her feet to deny Alexandra Johannsdottir.

And Hampton admitted that it had been a nerve-wracking second half all round.

“We know it was a tough second half,” she told broadcasters ITV after the game. “They put more bodies forward and more balls into dangerous areas. It was nervy at the end but we got the win.”

She added: “We would have liked to control the game a lot better than we did but know that they have a lot of threat and they got the momentum in their favour. They sent a lot of balls into our box and they are dangerous at set-pieces.

“We needed to make sure we were really solid in our defensive areas, and that we were.”

Hannah Hampton: her new-look defence

Hampton welcomed captain Leah Williamson back to the defence for this game, partnering Esme Morgan in the middle, with Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze the full backs.

Williamson – who has struggled for fitness this season – was substituted at half-time, with her Arsenal team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy coming on in her place; Wubben-Moy had started the previous game as England defeated world champions Spain 1-0 at Wembley on Tuesday evening.

Niamh Charles came on for Greenwood 12 minutes from time, and Jess Carter replaced Morgan in the last few seconds.