Manchester City and England defender Steph Houghton has admitted a second snub from Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup was “hard to take” as she refuses to rule out retiring from international football.
The 35-year-old, who has won 121 caps for her country, has struggled to impart herself into Wiegman’s Lionesses squad since the Dutch manager took over in 2021. Houghton was not included in the triumphant Euro 2022 squad, despite returning to fitness from an achilles injury and holding conversations with Wiegman regarding requirements for a return.
Nevertheless, Houghton worked tirelessly after the Euro 2022 snub to boost her chances of an inclusion for this summer’s showpiece event.
Injuries to key players, including Arsenal defender Leah Williamson, saw the clamour for a Houghton swell from fans given the player’s experience and rising form with City. She began featuring regularly for after the turn of the year to help push City’s bid for European football to the final day against key rivals.
Yet earlier this month Houghton was once again overlooked by Wiegman for the 23-player travelling party to Australia and New Zealand, and the defender has expressed her disappointment with the decision.
“I was disappointed because of how much effort I’d put into doing the things I was asked to do which was the get back into the City team, to play well and to play well against the best players,” Houghton told the Daily Mail.
“I spoke to the manager. She said firstly I needed 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.
“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.”
Houghton’s current contract with City sees her at the club until next summer but at 35 years old, the former Arsenal player’s career looks to be stretching into its final days.
When asked whether the time has arrived to hang up her international boots, Houghton remained cautious of any explicit declarations.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do is play for my country,’ says Houghton. ‘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.”
The Lionesses have begun their preparations for the Women’s World Cup earlier this week. Their campaign begins on 21 July, with a group stage match against Haiti.
And Houghton says she will still support her teammates in their bid for a first-ever World Cup trophy.
“I think they have an opportunity to create even more history,” she said. “On current form I think we are favourites. You don’t win a Euros and not be one of the favourites. I know so many of the players and I see how hard they work. I’m desperate for us to do it but it will be tough.”
