Sarina Wiegman 'will not comment' on Hannah Hampton's absence from England squad

Hannah Hampton was left out of Aston Villa's squad for the defeat by Chelsea in the WSL on Sunday

England manager Sarina Wiegman said she "would not like to comment" on the reasons why goalkeeper Hannah Hampton has been left out of the squad again.

Aston Villa's Hampton, 21, has not been selected for England since being part of the squad that won Euro 2022.

Reports this week suggested she had been dropped because of poor attitude.

"The same reason as I said in September, nothing's changed. She has to do something personal that I would not like to comment on," said Wiegman.

"I haven't spoken to her myself. We have made a plan. She is at her club and taking care of that. We are supporting and that's where we are at right now."

Hampton posted on social media that she was "suffering with an ongoing medical issue" which she is looking to address with a "small procedure" this week.

She added: "I'll be out for a few weeks now as I recover with the support of everyone at the club, but will be watching the girls and cheering them on."

Wiegman has named a 25-player squad as the Lionesses travel to Spain to play Japan on Friday, 11 November and Norway on Tuesday, 15 November in friendly matches.

Manchester United forward Alessia Russo is among those who have returned after she missed the victory over the United States and the draw with the Czech Republic in October due to injury.

Uncapped Manchester United defender Maya Le Tissier and Brighton winger Katie Robinson have received their first call-ups to the England senior squad.

Arsenal midfielder Jordan Nobbs and Chelsea's Niamh Charles also return, while captain Leah Williamson remains absent through injury.

"We have eight months to get prepared for the World Cup. We want to see where the young players are now," said Wiegman.

"Maya [Le Tissier] has done really well. There are a couple of players that are doing well in their teams and in the [England] U23s squad.

"This is an opportunity for them to show what they can do in our squad. We think this is really good."

Russo came off the bench on Sunday for Manchester United as they recorded a 3-0 victory over Everton in the Women's Super League.

Nobbs, who missed out on Euro 2022 selection due to injury, scored twice last week in Arsenal's victories over Zurich and West Ham.

Those to drop out of the squad include Manchester City defender Demi Stokes, Chelsea defender Jess Carter and Manchester City forward Jess Park, currently on loan at Everton.

"These will be two good, challenging games for us, which is just what we want and need at this stage," added Wiegman.

"We are hoping the conditions in Spain will help us to maximise our training as every session counts, along with the matches of course, in helping us to be ready for the World Cup.

"We cannot waste a minute and I am looking forward to getting back on the grass.

"We have some new players to look at as we know we have so much competition for places coming through."

Former England captain Steph Houghton, who has not played for her country since Wiegman's arrival, once again missed out on selection.

Asked about Houghton's chances of earning a recall before next summer's World Cup, Wiegman said: "I had a conversation with her. I think now she's not ready to compete or ready for us in the squad.

"She really needs minutes to show and get consistency. I can't look in the future. At the moment it's really hard with the players she is competing with."

Full squad

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps, Sandy MacIver, Ellie Roebuck.

Defenders: Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Maya Le Tissier, Esme Morgan, Lotte Wubben-Moy.

Midfielders: Fran Kirby, Jordan Nobbs, Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone, Keira Walsh, Katie Zelem.

Forwards: Lauren Hemp, Lauren James, Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead, Nikita Parris, Alessia Russo, Katie Robinson, Ebony Salmon.

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