England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has revealed the incredible tactic that helped England beat Spain to retain their European Championship title this summer. Hampton was one of the big talking points of the Lionesses squad, with her obstacles in becoming a professional footballer being highlighted even further when she was tasked with replacing the legendary Mary Earps as England’s new number one.
Hampton would go on to fill the shoes of Earps tremendously, producing several strong performances, particularly in the two penalty shootout wins over Sweden and later in the final against Spain. Now, off the back of being nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or, the Chelsea star has revealed the little trick she used to impact her opposite number during the spot kicks.
Hampton Reveals How She Thwarted Spanish Goalkeeper
As is common practice is shootout, goalkeepers often have the names of potential penalty takers written down somewhere and those players’ preferred sides to shoot at, in order to give them an advantage. Hampton took it upon herself to write these on her arm, but others often may just have a sheet of paper or, in some cases, write it down on a water bottle.
That’s exactly what Spanish shotstopper Cata Coll did, but as the Barcelona star would find out, that can have its drawbacks.
Speaking in an interview with talkSPORT, Hampton revealed that she had spotted that her opponent had the directions of which way to dive written on her water bottle. Rather than letting her have that advantage, she made absolutely certain that the Spaniard had no chance of doing so.
“The Spanish ‘keeper had it on her bottle [the direction each player prefers]. So I thought, when she’s going in goal, I’ll pick it up and chuck it in with the English fans so she can’t have it. I don’t ever put it on a bottle because anyone can do that, so I put it on my arm.
“She saw my bottle there instead, but mine’s blank. She was walking back to take the penalty and I was walking the other way and she was so confused and I was trying not to burst out laughing in her face.”
Cata Coll would still make two saves in the shootout, but it wasn’t enough for Spain to claim victory. Meanwhile, Hampton’s revelation has led to mixed reactions on social media. Some loved the gamesmanship, with one saying: “This is how legends are made,” and another describing it as ‘genius.’
A third said: “That is top class s***housery! Jamie Vardy would be proud if that,” with a fourth adding: “Hannah Hampton symbolises the English spirit, in every way.” However, others were not so keen, with one criticial response reading: “Shameful from her.And to proudly say it on air!!! Zero sportsmanship.”
