Euros hero Hampton to miss England friendly versus Brazil

BURTON UPON TRENT, England - England will be without their Women's Euros goalkeeping hero Hannah Hampton for Saturday's friendly against Brazil in Manchester, with head coach Sarina Wiegman confirming she had picked up a minor elbow injury.

While the 24-year-old Chelsea keeper remains in camp and could still feature against Australia on Tuesday in Derby, she will not be available for the Lionesses' first match since their thrilling European Championship triumph.

Her absence opens the door for a debutant between the posts. Khiara Keating, Anna Moorhouse and late call-up Sophie Baggaley are all in contention to start.

Keating, a Manchester native and Manchester City player, would be a sentimental choice.

"I have made the decision," Wiegman said at Friday's pre-match press conference. "But, as always, we have to get through this (last training) session and then, of course, I inform the team first before I inform (the media)."

Hampton replaced Mary Earps as the country's No. 1 ahead of the Women's Euros, where her penalty-saving heroics helped England to victory and saw her win the best female goalkeeper award at this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony.

England also play China and Ghana in friendlies this year with an eye toward the 2027 World Cup.

"I think it's really good that we have four friendlies over this couple of months," Wiegman said.

"What you also want to do is try out new things, see players, see different combinations. So that's a huge opportunity. It's necessary also, of course, because we have some injuries."

The Lionesses will learn who they face in their World Cup qualiers on November 4, with qualifying running from February to December 2026. REUTERS