Image source: Getty ImagesByEmma SandsBBC Sport women’s football reporter at Laugardalsvollur Stadium3 Hours agoWhen you have an experienced goalkeeper, winning is much easier. England were in complete control at half-time during their 1-0 win over Iceland but a nervous second-half performance almost cost them. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton had to step up and make three crucial saves as Iceland tried to equalise late on. Hannah Hampton’s heroics helped England maintain its 100% record in Women’s World Cup qualification. After striker Alessia had scored the winning goal in the first half. “It’s really my job, isn’t? We are all in this together. Hampton told ITV that he couldn’t score goals, but he could stop them. “We are proud of the fact that we win as a group. We are a group. “Hampton’showed up’ when neededHampton was not a clean performer as she fumbled several crosses and was not convincing on set-pieces. She almost dropped the ball into Sveindis Jonsdottir late on too, but rescued it just in time to spare her blushes. “Hampton showed up’ when neededHampton’s performance was not a perfect one, as she fumbled a few crosses and was not convinced on set-pieces. She almost dropped the ball in the path of Sveindisjonsdottir late in the game, but she rescued it in time to save her blushes. “Alessia Russo puts the ball at one end and I stop the ball from going in at the opposite.” She told BBC Radio 5 Live that it’s a very simple game. “I’m just glad to be able to participate. It means I won’t die from freezing! I’m willing to risk my life. Sarina Wiegman did not downplay Hampton’s saves, which she said were “crucial” in securing England’s victory. It’s always a group effort and team performance, but it’s nice to have a keeper who stops the ball from going in. Especially when the team is struggling and it’s hard for them,” added Wiegman. “That’s what we call teamwork. She proved that she’s a world-class keeper. “Arsenal’s striker Russo said: “She was incredible. She came up with three or four big moments to keep us in the game. “Sometimes, you need someone who can step up. “‘A goalkeeper that loves a challenge.’ Image source, Getty ImagesHampton was able to make four saves in the second-half against Iceland as England clung on. Niamh Charles, Lucy Bronze and Sandra Jessen also made crucial saves. Rachel Brown-Finnis, former England goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra that Hampton has been consistently good since the Euros. “She won the game for England on Tuesday and she’s kept it in England’s favor today. She showed brilliant concentration. Hampton is a great goalkeeper. She has a lot of confidence. She told ITV that goalkeepers were there to help the defense when they were exploited. “Hampton makes crucial and vital saves at critical moments. She is a goalkeeper who loves a challenge. She is alert and makes huge saves. “Her ability to stay focused on her job, and take action in critical moments, gives the rest of the squad the confidence to manage momentum swings. “England are three points ahead of Spain in group A3 with two games left, and there’s only one automatic qualification place up for grabs. Get involved! Related topics: England Women’s Soccer TeamFootballWomen Football
