SARINA WIEGMAN refused to be drawn on reasons for dropping Hannah Hampton from her England squad amid reports concerning the player’s attitude.
And the Lionesses chief brushed off the clamour to call up Spurs star Ashleigh Neville before friendlies against Japan and Norway.
Wiegman was speaking earlier today after naming her 25-strong group ahead of England’s final two games of this year.
The November fixtures will see Hampton, who impressed on her senior debut in February in a 0-0 draw with Spain, out of England’s squad for the third time since their Euros triumph.
The Villa shot-stopper, 21, was first dropped by Wiegman ahead of the Lionesses’ World Cup qualifier wins against Austria and Luxembourg in September.
When questioned on her decision to leave Hampton out of her latest squad, Wiegman 52, said: “She has to do something personal that I would not like to comment on.
“I haven’t spoken to her myself, we have made a plan, she’s at her club, she’s taking care of that.
“We are supporting her and that’s where we are right now.
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“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.
“The door is always open. When players perform and they perform consistently at the club, then they have a chance to make the squad.”
Hours after Wiegman’s squad announcement, Hampton revealed she would be out of action for a few weeks to address an “ongoing medical” matter.
In a tweet published on Tuesday evening, Hampton wrote: “I just wanted to give you all an update on my season so far.
“I’ve been suffering from an ongoing medical issue for a while and it’s time to finally address it properly this week with a small procedure.
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“I’ll be out for a few weeks now as I recover with the support of everyone at the club, but I 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.”
Manchester United high-flyer Maya Le Tissier and Brighton starlet Katie Robinson were given their first senior call-ups by Wiegman.
Both players, who were clubmates at the Seagulls under former England and Albion boss Hope Powell, have shone on the domestic stage this term.
And both have impressed in the Lionesses youth sides including the Under-17s whom Le Tissier once captained.
Arsenal star Jordan Nobbs makes her return to the Lionesses along with Chelsea ace Niamh Charles with both in fine form for their clubs.
But there was no call-up for Spurs defender Ashleigh Neville, who has impressed for Tottenham this term bagging a brace in their 8-0 drubbing of Brighton.
The left-back’s displays have seen some WSL followers on social media push for a call-up for the 29-year-old.
The Spurs star has registered three goals and two assists in five top-tier games this season.
Wiegman added: “Ashleigh plays different positions now. Last season she played more as a fullback, this season she plays a little higher up the pitch.
“At the moment she’s doing a really good job at Tottenham, we choose other players at this moment who we believe are better.”
England will face Japan on Friday 11 November before a duel with Norway on Tuesday 15 November.
Both matches will take place at the Pinatar Arena in Murcia in Spain.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
