Sarina Wiegman has responded to former Steph Houghton's comments on still wanting to play for England, stating she doesn't want to leave out her current defenders.
Houghton had said publicly her international exile from the England team over the past year was "frustrating" and that she wanted "closure." But speaking ahead of Tuesday's clash with Australia, Lionesses' boss Wiegman explained that due to the quality of player she has a centre-back, it was unavoidable that some players will be left disappointed.
The Dutch coach did add that she would not close the door on anyone ahead of selecting her squad for the 2023 World Cup finals in July.
"Of course Steph is a very good experienced player who I have lots of respect for," said Wiegman. "I have respect for what she has done for her country, but I have players in that position that I don't want to take out because I think they have performed really well.
"So that's the reason why. She (Houghton) has done so much for the game and is trying hard to get back into the national team.
"But every player trains so hard. We have some more players I had to disappoint with the choices I made. A lot of players are doing really well in that position.
"So the chances (of Houghton going to the World Cup) are not that high. But I will never close the door because when you're England coach you want everyone to be available too."
Houghton has 121 England caps but has not played for her country since 2021, cut from the Euros preliminary squad when the final 23 players were selected. She has featured more regularly for Man City since the turn of the year, with an impressive display against Chelsea recently, raising the question of whether she could return to the Lionesses fold.
On Saturday, Houghton had told the BBC : "I'm back to where I want to be and I'm pushing for England (selection.)
"But it's been difficult. It is frustrating from a personal view, and that won't stop me wanting the girls to do well, but I still want to keep knocking on the door.
"Anything can happen so I just need to make sure I stay professional and (that) I'm ready. If that moment doesn't come over the summer, then I think I just need to re-evaluate everything I've done over the last year, because it has been mentally tough."
England made it 30 games unbeaten on Thursday night and added a fourth trophy with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Brazil in the maiden women's Finalissima. Australia suffered a surprise 1-0 loss against Scotland and are missing a couple of key players through injury.
But Wiegman is still expecting a tough challenge from the World Cup co-hosts.
"We're not planning on making that many changes (to the team)," added Wiegman. "We'll see some players. But Australia is a top country and we want to do better than we did in some moments on Thursday.
"I'm not focusing on what they might do at the World Cup. They will want to do really well at home. I think they have a good team.
"But I also think there are many countries that could win a World Cup, it is not so clear who the favourite is, there are many favourites."
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