Lauren Hemp backs new team-mate Vivianne Miedema to make an instant impact at Manchester City and insists they can form a strong partnership next season

Lauren Hemp believes she can form a strong partnership with her new Manchester City teammate Vivianne Miedema and admitted she has long admired the Dutch star.

Miedema joined City on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this month and will face her former side in the opening game of the Women’s Super League season, with City travelling to the Emirates on September 22.

Hemp, who recently signed a contract that will keep her at City until 2027, says she is excited to link up with the WSL’s record goalscorer and believes she will make an instant impact at her new club.

“I’ve met a lot of them and faced them on the pitch many times,” Hemp said. “We’ve actually exchanged jerseys after playing against the Netherlands as well, so I consider us friends already.”

“But I hope that relationship will only grow stronger next season. I think she will be a great addition to the team. She is a player who can do it all and who I have admired for a long time.

“Obviously we have a fellow Dutchwoman in (Manchester City midfielder) Jill Roord, who unfortunately tore her ACL but has been a key player in our team so hopefully Viv can do the same.”

City were narrowly beaten by Chelsea on the final day to claim the WSL title, with Gareth Taylor’s side losing on goal difference.

City have not won the league since 2017 but Hemp says she and her teammates are more determined than ever to end that wait for silverware next season.

‘I’m really excited. To have come so close but not quite made it, I think it makes you even hungrier to keep going and be successful in the future, and I want to do that this season. I desperately wanted to do it last season, but unfortunately it didn’t happen.

“The schedule has just come out so I’m really excited. Obviously we have a big game (away to Arsenal) in the first game of the season which should be good. I’m really excited and I think we have a great team to achieve good things.”

Hemp was speaking at a KP Snacks event at Cheetham Hill, the site of one of 100 all-weather community cricket pitches they will be installing across England and Wales by 2025.

The 23-year-old, who played cricket at youth level for Norfolk Women and still has a real love for the sport, is part of the ‘Everyone In’ campaign, which aims to make cricket more accessible to everyone.

“I grew up playing cricket every summer and had to make a difficult decision between playing professional football or cricket when I was 16,” Hemp said.

“I have always loved the sport, so it is incredible that KP Snacks is helping thousands of families access cricket pitches and removing the barriers to entry.”

Hemp is currently enjoying a well-earned break after helping England secure Euro 2025 qualification last week. The Lionesses, who won on home soil in 2022, will be looking to retain their crown in Switzerland next summer.

“We’re very confident,” Hemp said. “I think we’re all in a good place. I think it’s difficult, especially at the end of the season, to pick up where we left off. We’ve accomplished the main objective and qualified for next summer, which is exciting.”

“Obviously we’re going to have a target on our backs going into the Euros, being the reigning champions, but I know that with the group we have and the talent we have within it and also with the youngsters coming through the system, we’re going to keep going and we’re going to have a great team and I hope we can maintain that.”

Lauren Hemp was speaking at a KP Snacks event at Cheetham Hill Sports Club in Manchester, the site of one of 100 all-weather community cricket pitches the brand will be installing across England and Wales by 2025. To find out more about the Everyone In campaign and find your nearest pitch, visit: www.everyonein.co.uk/pitchfinder