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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Hampton started the season on the right foot</li><li>Made a double save to ensure a Chelsea win</li><li>Still believes there is room for improvement</li></ul>

Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton opens up on stunning save which earned Chelsea three points in WSL opener as Blues No.1 looks to keep England place ahead of Mary Earps

Chelsea opened their 2024-25 WSL campaign with a crucial win against Aston Villa, securing three points that required immense defensive resilience and some <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-women-player-ratings-aston-villa-hannah-hampton-johanna-rytting-kaneryd-sonia-bompastor-wsl/bltceee21d852c12b22" target="_blank">individual brilliance from Hampton between the sticks</a>. As Villa pushed harder, she made several critical saves to deny Rachel Daly’s effort at the front post and showcased her agility again, by tipping a goal-bound header from Sabrina D'Angelo over the bar - thereby sealing a hard-earned clean sheet and a victory for her side.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After her heroics against Villa, Hampton opened up about her preparations in an interview with the <a href="https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/hannah-hampton-you-have-to-be-ready" target="_blank">Chelsea official media</a>."It’s about being alert and staying focused," she said. "That’s being focused on yourself, your distribution, and your communication with the backline. Even if you’re not making saves, all of that other stuff still needs to be done right. You train every single day and get like 500 shots put to you during the week, but sometimes it can just be for those two moments at the end of a game. That’s why we do what we do. You have to be ready. It was a good first game of the season – a good start, but there is a lot more that I want to be able to do to develop my game and more I want to achieve."

WHAT HAMPTON SAID

Hampton has emerged as a serious contender for the starting role in the Lionesses setup and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lionesses-hannah-hampton-battle-mary-earps-england-no-1-sarina-wiegman/bltcec263112c2e65c8#cs27bec4f70bcf19ff" target="_blank">has featured in four of England’s last five games ahead of Earps</a>. Although one of these appearances came when Earps suffered a hip injury in May, the Chelsea keeper was Sarina Wiegman’s preferred choice in England’s recent Euro qualifiers, further intensifying the competition between the two. Hampton acknowledged that she has still room for improvement as the season progresses and is not willing to rest on her laurels to hold on to her starting spot with England."I know I can do better and we know as a team (Chelsea) that we can improve – and we will have to improve because this season is going to be the toughest that the league has ever been," she said. We just have to keep working on our style of play and improve. This season is going to be the toughest that the league has ever been."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The upcoming 2024-25 season is crucial for both Hampton and Earps as they vie for the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/football-came-home-wiegman-and-england-s-lionesses-win-the-women-s-euros-and-become-immortal-at-wembley/blt03e1306009078090" target="_blank">starting role in next summer’s European Championship.</a> While Hampton has made a strong case for herself with her recent performances, Earps’ experience and stature remain formidable.However, Earps, now playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), will need to step up her game if she is to reclaim her place as England’s top goalkeeper. Although PSG won their league opener against Montpellier, their elimination from the UEFA Women’s Champions League following a 5-2 aggregate defeat to Juventus was a significant blow.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hampton will be back in action against Crystal Palace on Friday evening in the WSL. Meanwhile, Earps will look to keep a clean sheet when PSG host Guingamp on Sunday in Paris.

WHAT NEXT FOR HAMPTON & EARPS?

Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton opens up on stunning save which earned Chelsea three points in WSL opener as Blues No.1 looks to keep England place ahead of Mary Earps | Goal.com

Lionesses goalkeeper Hannah Hampton remains determined to keep her England place ahead of Mary Earps after a stunning performance in the WSL opener.