Hannah Hampton reveals challenges on route to the England No. 1 shirt – ‘I’ve proved people wrong’

However, her route to professional football has not always been so clear, with doctors informing her that a squint may hamper her chances.

Hampton endured several corrective procedures and defied the doctors to reach the top of the beautiful game.

However, Hampton insists her predecessor deserves more respect after a sensational international career that saw her inspire England to victory at the last edition of the tournament in 2022.

“I think there’s been quite a bit of scrutiny that she probably doesn’t deserve with everything that she’s achieved in the game and putting women’s goalkeeping on the map for the younger generation. [It is] inspiring to now be a goalkeeper,” Hampton added.

“It was never really a thing, and Mary’s changed that.

“There’s so many more young boys and girls taking part in goalkeeping, which was never the case when I was growing up.

“We’re gonna miss her as a person here. She’s a big personality in this team and she glued us all together at times when we needed to be.

“I think it’s been difficult for everyone to come to terms with what her decision is, but we have to respect that.”