England’s Houghton Opens Up About Women’s World Cup Squad Omission

England centre-back Steph Houghton opened up about her disappointment at being left out of coach Sarina Wiegman’s squad for the Women’s World Cup, saying she had done everything possible to fight for a spot.

Former captain Houghton has made 121 appearances for the Lionesses and the 35-year-old had been in top form for her club Manchester City this season.

Houghton’s experience seemed to make her the ideal replacement for the injured Leah Williamson but Wiegman instead chose Lotte Wubben-Moy and Maya Le Tissier, who are far less experienced.

Houghton, who captained England for eight years before Williamson took over in 2022, was also dropped from the squad for their championship run at the Euros last year after she underwent surgery on an Achilles injury.

Houghton, who was sidelined by the injury for a year, had been playing her best football this season, according to Man City manager Gareth Taylor.

“I was disappointed because of how much effort I’d put into doing the things I was asked to do which was to get back into the City team, to play well and to play well against the best players,” Houghton said, according to an interview with the Daily Mail newspaper.

“I spoke to the manager. She said firstly I need to get back into the team because I’d had a long period of time out. I fought my way back. The next thing was to play well and to keep your shirt. From January on I’ve started every single game bar one.

“I feel as though I was in form, fit and ready to go. But sometimes it happens that you have a manager that doesn’t see you as part of their plans.”

Houghton’s omission from the World Cup squad also raised the question if England has enough experienced players in the squad, with the group featuring only six players who have played on the biggest stage.

Houghton said her conversation with Wiegman was very vague.

“I think that’s what’s hard to take. I felt as though I could have brought something to the squad. I knew what the role would be — I wouldn’t be starting matches but I would have supported the girls one million per cent. I’m team first. But it’s the manager’s decision. I didn’t argue but I did say, “I’ve done everything you’ve asked us to do”.

“At that moment I think I was done with the whole situation. I’d been fighting with myself for 18 months to prove I can still play at that level. I think I did that but it was pretty clear from that conversation that I won’t be playing for England again.”

Has Houghton thought of hanging up her boots? Not yet.

“All I’ve ever wanted to do is play for my country,” she added. “It’s something I’ll have to think about over the summer. I’d never turn my back on my country but I don’t know if I would put myself under that kind of pressure again.”

Houghton plans to spend the summer in Ibiza with her husband Stephen, the former Liverpool defender, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease just months after they married in 2018.