Hannah Hampton Reveals ‘Genius’ Penalty Shootout Tactic That Helped England Defeat Spain at Euro 2025

Lionesses goalkeeper explains clever move that denied her Spanish counterpart an advantage in the European Championship final.

England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has disclosed the ingenious tactic she used to help the Lionesses beat Spain and retain their European Championship title this summer.

Hampton, 23, was one of the most talked-about figures in England’s squad, having overcome significant obstacles to become a professional footballer. Her challenge was heightened when she was handed the responsibility of replacing the legendary Mary Earps as England’s new No. 1.

The Chelsea shot-stopper rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, delivering a string of strong performances — most notably in two penalty shoot-out victories, first against Sweden in the semi-final and then in the final against Spain. Off the back of those displays, and a nomination for this year’s Ballon d’Or, Hampton has now revealed the small but decisive trick she used to unsettle her opposite number during the spot-kicks.

How Hampton Outmanoeuvred Spain’s Goalkeeper
In modern football, it is common practice for goalkeepers to keep a list of likely penalty takers and their preferred shooting directions, often written on a piece of paper, taped to a water bottle, or, in Hampton’s case, penned discreetly on her arm.

Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll, however, had opted for the bottle method — a decision that backfired. Speaking to talkSPORT, Hampton explained how she took advantage of the situation.

“The Spanish ’keeper had it on her bottle [the direction each player prefers]. So I thought, when she’s going in goal, I’ll pick it up and chuck it in with the English fans so she can’t have it. I don’t ever put it on a bottle because anyone can do that, so I put it on my arm.

“She saw my bottle there instead, but mine’s blank. She was walking back to take the penalty and I was walking the other way and she was so confused and I was trying not to burst out laughing in her face.”

Coll still managed to make two saves during the shoot-out, but it was not enough to stop England from lifting the trophy.

Social Media Reaction
Hampton’s revelation has split opinion among fans online. Some celebrated her gamesmanship, with one user commenting: “This is how legends are made”, and another branding it “genius”. A third declared: “That is top-class s**housery! Jamie Vardy would be proud of that,”* while a fourth added: “Hannah Hampton symbolises the English spirit in every way.”

Others, however, were critical. One unimpressed fan wrote: “Shameful from her. And to proudly say it on air! Zero sportsmanship.”

This clever act may spark debate over the fine line between psychological advantage and gamesmanship, but for Hampton and the Lionesses, it proved part of a winning formula in retaining their European crown.