Sarina Wiegman, manager of the England Women’s National Team, has recently stated that the chances of captain Steph Houghton playing at the upcoming World Cup are not very high. This comes as the team prepares to face Australia in a friendly match. Wiegman clarified that the door is not shut on Houghton’s selection, but her chances are not looking good.
Houghton has been a key player for England for many years, and her absence would be a major blow to the team’s chances of success. The 33-year-old defender has been a regular starter for the Lionesses since making her debut in 2007, and has been an integral part of the team’s success in recent years. She was named England captain in 2014 and has led the team to two consecutive semi-finals in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
Despite her impressive record, Wiegman believes that Houghton’s chances of playing at this summer’s tournament are slim. The manager has been impressed by the performances of other players in the squad and believes they are better suited to the team’s current style of play. Wiegman has also expressed her desire to give younger players a chance to prove themselves at the tournament.
The news of Houghton’s uncertain future has been met with disappointment from fans and pundits alike. Many believe that her experience and leadership qualities would be invaluable to the team’s chances of success. However, Wiegman is adamant that she must put the team first and make decisions based on what she believes is best for the squad.
Although Houghton’s chances of playing at this summer’s World Cup are not looking good, Wiegman has made it clear that the door is not shut on her selection. The manager will continue to assess all players in the squad before making a final decision on who will make the cut for the tournament. Until then, fans can only hope that Houghton will be given one last chance to lead England to glory.