England’s Euro 2025 hero Hannah Hampton has been ruled out of the Lionesses’ upcoming friendly against Brazil at the Etihad Stadium after suffering an elbow injury. Her absence opens the door for a potential England debut for one of the other goalkeepers in the squad — Khiara Keating or Anna Moorhouse.

The 24-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper, who was recently named the Best Female Goalkeeper at the 2025 Ballon d’Or, will miss Saturday’s clash but is expected to return soon. England boss Sarina Wiegman confirmed the injury is not serious but admitted it presents a valuable opportunity for the team’s backup goalkeepers to gain vital experience at international level.

Wiegman confirms debut opportunity

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Wiegman said:

“Of course it’s not nice to have an injury, but it’s not a major one. It’s also an opportunity for the other goalkeepers. These friendly games are good to try things out, and we were going to do that anyway.”

With Hampton unavailable, Manchester City’s Khiara Keating, 21, or Orlando Pride’s Anna Moorhouse, 30, is expected to start. Wiegman would not reveal which of the two will be given the nod but praised both players’ qualities.

“Khiara is a young, very talented goalkeeper — explosive on the line and good with her feet. Anna is taller and strong when defending crosses. They play differently at their clubs, and that gives us good options,” Wiegman explained.

Brighton’s Sophie Baggaley has been drafted into the squad as cover for Hampton, while Lotte Wubben-Moy (illness) and Jess Park (concussion) will also miss the match.

Lionesses celebrate Euro glory in homecoming friendlies

The Brazil fixture marks the first of four friendlies in England’s ‘Homecoming Series’, celebrating their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 triumph. The Lionesses lifted the trophy in Switzerland after beating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Hampton saved two spot kicks to seal the victory.

These matches also begin England’s preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with Wiegman keen to blend fresh faces with the team’s established core.

New call-ups Lucia Kendall (Aston Villa), Taylor Hinds (Arsenal), and Grace Fisk (Liverpool) are part of a refreshed squad, alongside new assistant coaches Janneke Bijl and Arvid Smit, following the departure of Wiegman’s long-time assistant Arjan Veurink to manage the Netherlands.

Keira Walsh to captain England at Etihad Stadium

With Leah Williamson still sidelined after knee surgery, Barcelona midfielder Keira Walsh will captain England against Brazil — a fitting honour for the Manchester City-born player returning to her hometown.

“It’s a role Keira massively deserves,” said defender Alex Greenwood. “She probably doesn’t give herself enough credit for her leadership, but she’s super influential on and off the pitch.”

Walsh, 28, spent eight years at Manchester City before her world-record transfer to Barcelona in 2022. Greenwood, who captains City at club level, admitted that playing for England at the Etihad would be a “special” experience.

“It’s like going home,” Greenwood said. “The last time we played in Manchester was at Euro 2022, so it’s been a while. To do it at my home ground will be something I cherish.”

Behind the gloves: England’s unsung goalkeeping heroes

Greenwood also highlighted the vital contribution of England’s goalkeepers during the Euro 2025 campaign.

“They’ve been super patient,” she said. “The keepers stayed out after training to help with extra shooting and penalties. Their roles often go unnoticed, but they’ve been fantastic.”

Whether it’s Keating or Moorhouse who steps up, both will be keen to make a strong impression as England continue to evolve under Wiegman. With a passionate Manchester crowd expected, Saturday’s friendly offers the perfect stage for a new chapter in the Lionesses’ goalkeeping story.