Hannah Hampton returns to England fold but only ‘a miracle’ could see injured Beth Mead in World Cup contention

HANNAH HAMPTON has been named in England’s squad five months after being dropped last October due to “personal issues”. 

The goalkeeper, 22 who had been left out of Lionesses’ last three camps, will rejoin ahead of fixtures against Brazil and Australia. 

Her return follows some impressive shifts between the sticks for Aston Villa with the club reaching the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals for the first time this year. 

England chief Wiegman, 53, said: “As I’ve said over all the other camps, Hannah needed to sort out some personal issues – she’s done that. 

“She has shown great performances. She has shown consistency and done that at her club first, so I thought this is the moment to bring her in.”

Hampton, who made her senior international debut in a 0-0 draw against Spain last February, was part of the squad that triumphed at last summer’s Euros 

But the Villa ace was dropped before two World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Luxembourg in September, and friendlies against the Czech Republic and the USA in October.

She was also omitted ahead of games against Japan and Norway in November amid reports of alleged attitude concerns. 

Since then she has helped her club climb to fifth in the WSL keeping two clean sheets in their last three league games. 

Wiegman, who today named her 25-strong squad ahead of their two World Cup warm-up games next month, admits Beth Mead is not in her tournament plans. 

But the England chief is open to reconsidering if “a miracle happens” with the Arsenal forward’s rehab from an ACL injury.  

Wiegman added: “I had a conversation with Beth. She’s continuing her rehab: she’s doing good, but the World Cup is actually too early. 

“So what we’ve said is, she’s not in our plans now, so she’s just really taking the time to get back well.

“But if a miracle happens and she goes so fast, then we’ll reconsider.”

The Lionesses, who are currently unbeaten under Wiegman, will play Brazil at Wembley on Tuesday 6 April in the first ever Women’s Finalissima.

The Euros winners then face World Cup co-hosts Australia at Brentford’s ground on April 11 as part of their preparations for the tournament this summer. 

Man City defender Esme Morgan is back in the squad with uncapped West Ham defender Lucy also named. 

But Lotte Wubben-Moy, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon have been dropped along with injured goalkeeper Emily Ramsey.

England vice-captain Millie Bright has been included with Wiegman hopeful the Chelsea centre-back will be fit for duels with the Selecao and the Matildas. 

She said: “Millie is being assessed by her club. They have a Champions League (game) and then (a match) against Aston Villa on Sunday. 

“I hope everything goes well and she can have good games or progress this week and can come in.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk