There’s a certain type of goalkeeper England seems to manufacture in batches — calm, technical, polite, and invisible until the post-match interviews. Then there’s Anna Moorhouse: 6’1”, proud owner of the best slicked-back bun in the NWSL, and the only Lioness with a dog called Betty and a record-breaking season across the Atlantic.
And yet — somehow — she still hasn’t played a single minute for England.
That has to change. Tuesday night against Australia is the perfect moment.
1. She’s Earned It the Hard Way
You don’t fluke a treble-winning season in the NWSL. You build it, brick by brick — or, in Moorhouse’s case, save by save.
Last year, she didn’t just help Orlando Pride win the NWSL Shield and Championship. She shattered the league record for most clean sheets in a single season (13), became an Ironwoman by playing every single minute, and led the division in save percentage (85%). That’s not just “good form.” That’s generational dominance.
She didn’t do it behind a parked bus either — she made the second-most saves (82) in the entire league. Orlando’s rise was built on her command, her shot-stopping, and the fact she’s a 6’1” wall who dominates the box like it owes her rent.
When England’s biggest problem for years has been vulnerability under high crosses and indecision in crowded areas, Moorhouse’s calm control feels like the antidote.
She’s not just owed a chance. She’s earned one the hard way — through airports, contracts, and self-belief.
2. We’ve Seen Keating, Now It’s Time for Moorhouse
One of the most significant names in Sarina Wiegman’s starting lineup against Brazil was Khiara Keating. The 21-year-old was handed her debut at the Etihad, her club home, and after a nervy start, she settled into her rhythm. England got their first real look at life beyond Hannah Hampton.
But the depth chart still looks fragile.
With Hampton injured and only Sophie Baggaley and Anna Moorhouse uncapped, England remain one twisted ankle away from a crisis. That’s not sustainable for a team that expects to dominate at World Cups.
If Keating’s debut was about the future, Moorhouse’s should be about the present — about having a dependable, experienced backup ready when reality hits. She’s 30. She’s won titles in America. She’s played abroad, handled pressure, and come back tougher.
International football is about contingency as much as it’s about brilliance — and right now, England’s contingency plan looks incomplete until Moorhouse’s name has a cap next to it.
3. The Human Side: The Bun, the Dog, the Left Sock
Football doesn’t need another robotic keeper. It needs characters.
And Moorhouse? She’s a walking reminder that personality matters.
She calls her game-day bun “an art” — sometimes needing three hair ties to hold it in place. She swears by her left-sock-first ritual before every match. She plays better when the game is “quiet,” because that means she’s done her job right. And she’s an advocate for dog adoption, often seen with her rescue dog, Betty, alongside her Orlando teammate and partner Viviana Villacorta.
It’s these quirks that make her human in a squad often built on calm professionalism. England’s camp thrives on that balance — Lucy Bronze’s intensity, Toone’s humour, Millie Bright’s quiet leadership — and Moorhouse fits right in as the thoughtful veteran who’s been everywhere, seen everything, and still smiles through it.
No, her sock routine isn’t a reason to start her. But the mental stability that comes with those rituals? That’s gold dust in a penalty shootout.
4. Goalkeeping Brainpower — and Leadership
Moorhouse’s success isn’t just in her gloves; it’s in her mind.
She’s obsessive about analysis — known to spend hours preparing for penalty scenarios, cross tendencies, and one-on-ones. She doesn’t just react; she anticipates. Her Orlando coaches have praised her ability to “see” danger before it happens, a product of years of studying video and building her own routines.
During Euro 2025, she quietly mentored Hannah Hampton, offering feedback, insights, and support. She wasn’t the loudest in the room — she admits she’s naturally shy — but she’s the kind of player who listens, learns, and leads by doing.
That’s invaluable in a dressing room full of egos and ambition.
England will eventually need someone who can carry the torch when Hampton or Earps aren’t available. Moorhouse, with her cross-continental experience and calm authority, looks like the perfect bridge between generations.
5. A Career Built on Resilience
There’s a reason Sarina Wiegman likes her. Moorhouse didn’t climb the FA system or collect England youth caps. She built her career the scenic way.
From Oldham Active leisure attendant to Bordeaux Champions League keeper, from losing cup finals with West Ham to winning silverware in Florida heat — it’s a journey that screams endurance.
She was 16 when she first stood in goal. She didn’t grow up being groomed as a prodigy. She started late, played with boys until she couldn’t, and carved out her own route when others would’ve quit.
When she finally got her first England call in 2024, she missed the call because she was making breakfast. That’s so painfully normal it’s perfect. Her partner filmed the moment she called back — tears, disbelief, pride. That’s the kind of authenticity the national team needs to keep in its bloodstream.
6. The Tactical Fit
Against Australia — a physical, direct side with pace on the wings and Sam Kerr-shaped ghosts in the box — you need a goalkeeper comfortable commanding her area.
That’s Moorhouse.
At 6’1”, she’s England’s tallest keeper and statistically one of the best in North America at dealing with crosses. In the NWSL, she averaged 1.5 successful high claims per match — more than most European league leaders. Her presence alone changes how defenders position themselves.
Australia’s direct style could easily expose a hesitant keeper. Moorhouse gives you that psychological safety net — a confidence that if the Matildas go aerial, she’ll be there to kill it.
7. She’s Not Just a Backup. She’s a Statement.
7. She’s Not Just a Backup, She’s a Statement
Every squad needs a symbol of perseverance. For England, Anna Moorhouse is that symbol.
She’s the player who reminds every young girl playing at a leisure centre, or every late bloomer between jobs, that your career doesn’t have to follow the FA blueprint. You can still reach the summit — even if you get there via Bordeaux, Orlando, and a few transatlantic flights.
Giving her a debut isn’t just sentimental. It’s strategic. It sends the message that England rewards persistence, not politics.
8. Final Whistle
There’s no downside to starting Anna Moorhouse on Tuesday.
No risk. No drama. Only reward.
You give a veteran the recognition she deserves. You protect Hampton. You build depth. And you finally validate one of the most remarkable career arcs in modern women’s football.
She’s been patient. She’s been loyal. She’s been world-class abroad.
Now, England just need to let her wear the gloves she’s earned.
Start Anna Moorhouse. She’s ready.
Record: NWSL Clean Sheet Record (13, 2024)
Height: 6 ft 1 in — tallest Lioness keeper
Clubs: Everton, Arsenal, West Ham, Bordeaux, Orlando Pride
Achievements: NWSL Champion & Shield Winner, Euro 2025 Champion (uncapped)
Fun Fact: Missed her England call-up because she was making breakfast Game-day
Ritual: Left sock first. Always.
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