Hannah Hampton or Mary Earps: Who will be the first in England at Euro 2025?
In the match against Germany, she effectively utilized Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze on the flanks with diagonal balls, while also allowing Keira Walsh to receive a straightforward pass from the back, enabling her to turn. This adaptability in alternating between long and short passes is vital for England as they aim to become less predictable women’s football palyers.
Hannah Hampton or Mary Earps?
However, there was a moment when center-back Alex Greenwood, who came on as a substitute in the second half, expressed frustration with Mary Earps for opting for a short ball to the left instead of recognizing the space available on the right.
It is worth noting that it can be challenging to separate a coach’s directives from a player’s instinctual decisions.
Analyzing Earps’ distribution during her time at Chelsea last season (the data for the current season is too limited), it was evident that her passes skewed predominantly to the left. In contrast, Earps spread her passes more evenly across both sides but utilized fewer long balls.
This pattern persisted in the game against South Africa, where England enjoyed possession and successfully built from the back. Earps’ distribution mainly consisted of simple passes to her center-backs, Millie Bright and Alex Greenwood.
However, some of her attempts at longer passes, including one directed at Greenwood in the first half, appeared clumsy and ineffective.
On Tuesday night, despite England’s control, Earps was vocal in directing her defense and teammates to reposition themselves, often stepping forward to guide them on where to go.
England remained susceptible to defensive lapses, especially against the pace of Thembi Kgatlana, who posed significant challenges. Yet, this level of communication might have been beneficial during their match against Germany, particularly as the team’s performance slipped during the opening half hour.
The recent international camp highlighted discussions about the confidence placed in players based on their club form, making the goalkeeper position a perfect microcosm of this debate.
Ironically, Earps joined Paris Saint-Germain seeking silverware but faced early elimination from the Champions League in the qualifying rounds and found herself on the bench for the team’s first home league game, marking one of three instances this season where she has not started. PSG conceded five goals across two legs against Juventus, leading to their exit from European competition (Hannah Hampton or Mary Earps).
Earps has openly shared that adjusting to life in a new country takes time. She humorously documented her experiences on social media, from grappling with quirky items like purple cauliflower to more serious concerns such as finding new accommodation and navigating the language barrier.
In one particular post, she captioned a video with “My head is frazzled,” reflecting her mental strain. In a profession celebrated for its cerebral demands and instinctual responses, such admissions are concerning.
England remained susceptible to defensive lapses, especially against the pace of Thembi Kgatlana, who posed significant challenges. Yet, this level of communication might have been beneficial during their match against Germany, particularly as the team’s performance slipped during the opening half hour (Hannah Hampton or Mary Earps).
conclusion: Hannah Hampton or Mary Earps?
Fortunately for Earps, her situation has improved recently. She recorded her first clean sheet for PSG in a 1-0 win over Nantes and made a stunning save during a 2-1 victory against Fleury. If she needed a slow start to regain her form, few would hold that against her.
However, sustaining that momentum will be crucial if she aims to compete with Hampton for the No. 1 position ahead of next summer’s Euros
