The 24-year-old, who had gauze stuffed up one nostril throughout Thursday night's intense shootout against Sweden after an earlier collision, was born with strabismus, a condition that causes the eyes to misalign. She underwent three surgeries before turning three.
She has endured broken fingers and suffered bloody noses from misjudging the ball's path. Even something as simple as pouring a drink, she has mentioned, can be challenging.
But Hampton is not easily discouraged and relishes the opportunity to prove others wrong.
"I'm here right now. You can't let all the scrutiny win," Hampton told reporters recently. "I think if you do that it just adds fuel to the fire, and I wasn't willing to accept that."
Hampton found herself in the limelight after the veteran Mary Earps announced her international retirement just weeks prior to the tournament.
She has excelled at the Euros in Switzerland, making several diving saves during normal time on Thursday before her shootout heroics, made even more impressive by the fact she had taken an elbow to the face just moments earlier.
"I told her, you only need one nostril," teammate Chloe Kelly remarked.
The Chelsea keeper also made headlines last week when her superb long ball resulted in a goal during their 4-0 rout of the Netherlands in the group stage.
"She made a significant contribution to a very strong team performance," coach Sarina Wiegman stated. "The outcome was fantastic, and how the team came together was impressive, but she played a key role in that."
Hampton was a backup to Earps when England secured the 2022 European title, but she was dropped from the squad shortly thereafter amid media reports regarding her attitude and behavior.
She mentioned that the negative commentary nearly pushed her to quit.
Hampton was all smiles on Thursday, even taking a FaceTime call with family and friends during her post-game press conference.
"I'm in a presser!" Hampton exclaimed to a family member, before turning the phone screen so they could see the packed media room. Her family and friends cheered.
The Birmingham-born keeper spent much of her childhood in Spain, attending the British School of Vila-real where her parents worked as educators.
She played as a forward for Villarreal's academy team.
Sweden's goalkeeper Jennifer Falk saved four of England's attempts in Thursday's shootout before stepping up to confidently take one of her own. A goal would have secured victory for Sweden, but Falk shot over the crossbar.
When asked if she had thought about taking a penalty herself, Hampton laughed.
"They told me to focus on the saving part first, and then when it came to it, I would have taken one," Hampton said. "I get a bit excited – my striker instincts come out."
England will face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday in Geneva.
Links
Contact
App
