Ward hails Villa stopper Hampton after Lionesses recall

Aston Villa boss Carla Ward has hailed Hannah Hampton following her England recall and feels Lucy Staniforth is "very unfortunate" not to have been selected.

Goalkeeper Hampton, 22, is in the squad for the Finalissima meeting with Brazil and friendly against Australia — her first involvement since last summer's triumphant Euro 2022 campaign.

Regarding her selection, Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman said the twice-capped star had produced "great performances" after sorting out some personal issues.

And Ward beamed: "I'm delighted. Since the turn of the year she's put a lot of things in place personally and I think she's developed no end in these past few months.

"There's not a better in-form keeper in the Women's Super League right now. That's a fact.

"She's absolutely flying, playing some of the best football of her career, so long may that continue."

Hampton is one of three Villa players to make Wiegman's 25-player selection, alongside Rachel Daly and Jordan Nobbs.

Staniforth, capped 17 times, was most recently in the England squad last October. 

The midfielder joined Villa in January after leaving Manchester United and Ward said: "She's very unfortunate not to get called up.

"I think she's been absolutely brilliant since she's come in. 

"I wouldn't want to comment on what Sarina is looking at but she's been absolutely brilliant for us. What a signing she's been."