England Lioness Hannah Hampton has responded to speculation she was dropped by club and country due to an attitude problem, claiming she has been suffering with an “ongoing medical issue”.
The Aston Villa goalkeeper was omitted from Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for the friendlies against Japan and Norway later this month and hasn’t featured for Villa since September 25 when manager Carla Ward decided to leave the 21-year-old at home for their clash against Chelsea as it was in “the best interests of the team” after “something happened”.
Hampton turned up at the game anyway and cheered her side on from the stands, going against Ward’s strict instructions to stay away.
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After Wiegman revealed that she hadn’t been in contact with Hampton since first dropping her in September, the youngster took to social media to explain her side of the story.
“I just wanted to give you all an update on my season so far,” she wrote. “I’ve been suffering with an ongoing medical issue for a while and it’s time to finally address it properly this week with a small procedure.
“I’ll be out for a few weeks now as I recover with the support of everyone at the club, but will be watching the girls and cheering them on. My priority now is to return to fitness, get back on the pitch and give my all for the team.”
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(Image: Getty Images)
Hampton was part of the England squad that won Euro 2022 but played second-fiddle to Manchester United keeper Mary Earps and failed to make an appearance at the tournament.
On Tuesday, Wiegman appeared to leave the door ajar for Hampton’s return to the Lionesses squad, telling reporters: “I haven’t spoken to her myself, we have made a plan, she’s at club, she’s taking care of that.
“We are supporting and that’s where we are right now. It’s the same reason as I said in September, nothing changed. That’s basically what it is. She still has to [sort things out], it’s something personal I would not like to comment on further.”
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