England: Sarina Wiegman hails Hannah Hampton’s Euro 2025 'fairytale' | OneFootball

The 24-year-old was made No1 on the eve of the tournament

Sarina Wiegman has hailed Hannah Hampton’s journey at Euro 2025 as a “fairytale”.

Hampton excelled throughout the Euros and was named player of the match in the final, saving two penalties as England beat Spain.

And asked about Hampton’s tournament, Wiegman said: “Every player has their one story and journey and hers has been incredible.

“Starting the tournament and losing the first game, there was so much riding on every game, we had five finals.

“She had to step up and I think she has been amazing. It’s a little bit like a fairytale to stop those two penalties in the final.”

England’s final victory over Spain was in keeping with their run during the knockout stages as they edged another rollercoaster game.

Spain took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Mariona Caldentey, but the Lionesses fought back.

Hannah Hampton saved two penalties during the shootout

AFP via Getty Images

Alessia Russo equalised early in the second half, heading home Chloe Kelly’s cross, and England battled their way to extra-time.

Hampton’s heroics got England over the line and Wiegman says she always had faith that the Lionesses would be European champions.

“To be honest, tonight I didn’t have that,” said Wiegman, when asked if she had any doubts that England could go all the way.

“I had a couple of times in the Sweden game and the Italy game and I thought: ‘We might keep going home tomorrow’.

“But we still had a couple of minutes to go, it’s getting tight. But it’s not a lack of belief, it’s like... we’re getting really close now. We had to score.

“And against Sweden, of course, when we had the penalty shootout, when we missed a couple of penalties, we were lucky that they missed theirs.”