Steph Houghton: England Women Can Compete With USA at World Cup
England Women’s team captain Steph Houghton has warned to ‘expect the unexpected’ at the upcoming Women’s World Cup. The Manchester City centre-back believes the competition is too close to call and that England are one of the favourites. Houghton, who will be on punditry duty with the BBC during the tournament, expects Spain to play the most entertaining football and the reigning champions the USA to mount a strong defence of their title.
England’s Injury Woes
England has been rocked by notable injuries in the lead-up to the World Cup, with Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead all ruled out. However, Houghton points to the fact that none of the leading contenders have had a smooth build up. France, Canada and Spain have had public disputes over leadership, launched battles for funding and faced in-fighting with federations.
Group of Death
Houghton doesn’t expect England to have too many problems qualifying for the knockout stages after being drawn with Denmark, Haiti and China. But she adds that fans should keep an eye on the ‘group of death’ – featuring France, Jamaica, Brazil and Panama – which could offer a healthy dose of drama. With a target likely to be on the backs of proven gamechangers, such as England’s Keira Walsh, there will be an opening for the tournament’s break-out star.
Young Lionesses
Houghton has played alongside the seasoned players in the England side, and helped inspire several of the younger Lionesses. A picture of a young Georgia Stanway – sporting a Grealish-esque barnet – with Houghton recently did the rounds on social media. Houghton recalls fondly how she and Stanway have been on a journey together since that picture. She adds that she’s hoping Stanway can do the business this tournament as well.
BBC Coverage
Houghton will form part of the BBC’s punditry team for the Women’s World Cup, where she hopes England can replicate their Euros success. She adds that having the games broadcast there is a great opportunity for everyone to get behind the players from here in the UK. With more interest in women’s football and major tournaments, Houghton says this is an opportunity for even more people to watch the women’s game for the first time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Steph Houghton is confident England’s women can compete with the likes of USA at the upcoming World Cup. With a target likely to be on the backs of proven gamechangers, such as England’s Keira Walsh, there will be an opening for the tournament’s break-out star. Houghton will form part of the BBC’s punditry team for the Women’s World Cup, where she hopes England can replicate their Euros success. Having the games broadcast there is a great opportunity for everyone to get behind the players from here in the UK.