'Tough times don't last' - Kelly and Hampton shine after adversity

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How things evolve. The duo has now been celebrated as England's champions of Euro 2025 after the Lionesses triumphed over Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout, successfully defending their title.

Kelly, who was brought on in the 40th minute as a substitute for Lauren James, delivered a perfectly placed cross that led to Alessia Russo's equalizer.

Hampton showcased her skills with several crucial saves throughout the match and ultimately stopped both Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati during the shootout—enabling Kelly to confidently convert the winning penalty, sending the England supporters into a frenzy.

"I was determined not to miss two in a row," remarked Kelly, who had previously scored the rebound after her penalty was saved in their semi-final victory against Italy.

"I remained calm and composed. I was confident that I would score. I don’t miss penalties twice," she added.

England manager Sarina Wiegman described Hampton's two shootout saves in the final as "a bit like a fairytale."

From the very beginning in Switzerland, the 24-year-old was under the spotlight, stepping forward as England's primary goalkeeper following Mary Earps' retirement just five weeks prior.

"Hannah Hampton has faced the spotlight. Has she risen to the occasion? Absolutely," stated former England goalie Rachel Brown-Finnis.

"To help your team win consecutive European Championships—be proud, Hannah Hampton."

'Tough times don't endure'

Just seven months ago, Kelly's situation was starkly different.

The 27-year-old was anxious about her position in England's Euros lineup after a challenging start to the season with Manchester City, where she had only made one Women’s Super League (WSL) start in the initial four months.

However, after a difficult standoff with the club, Kelly joined Arsenal on loan in January, making the move permanent in July.

Not only has the winger "rediscovered her joy," but she has also claimed the Women’s Champions League with the Gunners and contributed to another Euros victory for England, scoring the pivotal goal in the final once more.

"If that’s a narrative for anyone facing similar struggles—tough times don't last," Kelly reflected.

"Just around the corner was a Champions League final; we won that, and now we've secured a Euros final victory."

Though Kelly has primarily occupied a bench role in Switzerland, she has made a notable impact every time she has taken the field for England.

Against Sweden, her assist sparked a comeback, and she converted her penalty in the shootout.

In the semi-final win over Italy, it was Kelly's goal that clinched England’s spot in the final with barely a minute left in extra time.

"I appreciate everyone who doubted me—thank you," Kelly expressed at a post-final press conference.

Regarding Wiegman, she said, "She offered me optimism when I likely had none. She provided me the chance to represent my country once more."

"A lot more to come" from Hampton.

Hampton, taking on her first major tournament as the leading goalkeeper for England, faced the challenge of stepping into the role previously held by Earps, who had established a formidable legacy in Switzerland.

Earps, recognized twice as the world’s top women’s goalkeeper, played crucial parts in England's triumph at Euro 2022 and their journey to the 2023 World Cup final.

However, Hampton, who appeared poised to take a starting position at the Euros even prior to Earps' retirement, has demonstrated her worthiness of the number one spot.

"As the tournament began, did anyone truly envision Hannah Hampton shining as a standout player? Probably not. There were doubts about her performance," remarked former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.

"Just look at her achievements on such a grand stage. Those penalty saves were exceptional - remarkable efforts. She completely trusted her abilities.

"It was an incredible moment to witness her pivotal role in the team."

Just a few months following England's Euro victory in 2022, Hampton found herself removed from the squad.

Reports indicated that her exclusion stemmed from behavioral issues, and it wasn't until March 2023 that she was recalled, with Wiegman noting that Hampton had "addressed personal matters."

In an interview with BBC One after her impressive shootout performance in the 2025 final, Hampton expressed, "I can only extend my gratitude to Sarina [Wiegman] for the confidence and trust she has shown in me.

"She understood my potential and really encouraged me to go out and demonstrate my abilities."

This season, Hampton has been integral in guiding Chelsea to a domestic treble, showcasing her true skill throughout the tournament.

After a defeat in their opening match against France, Hampton played a key role in England's resurgence against the Netherlands—executing a brilliant defense-splitting pass that initiated the attack for England’s opening goal and setting the tone for a decisive 4-0 victory.

Then, in the quarter-final matchup with Sweden, she made two outstanding saves during the shootout, ensuring England’s title defense remained in contention.

"The team put in so much effort over 120 minutes, so the least I could do was save a few penalties and do my part to support the team in any way I could," Hampton shared with Radio 5 Live following the final.