Steph Houghton is left OUT of the England squad for Euro 2022
Steph Houghton is OUT of England’s squad for the 2022 Women’s European Championship due to injury, but coach Sarina Wiegman selects Fran Kirby – who has not played since February – for the tournament at home this summer
- Sarina Wiegman has reduced her selection for England from 28 players to 23
- Steph Houghton, who captained the 2019 World Cup, has been left out
- Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem, Lucy Staniforth and Sandy MacIver are the other unfortunate players missing out on a place in the final roster
- However, there is room for Fran Kirby – who hasn’t played since February
Sarina Wiegman has removed English legend Steph Houghton from her roster of 23 players for the Women’s European Championship.
The defender was included in the preliminary squad last month, despite being sidelined since January following surgery for an Achilles tendon injury.
Houghton has captained the Lionesses in their last three tournaments and has 121 caps, but Wiegman has left no room for sentiment.
Sarina Wiegman has kicked the English legend Steph Houghton from her selection for the European Championship
Houghton has 121 caps, but Wiegman has left no room for sentiment in her roster
Niamh Charles, Katie Zelem, Lucy Staniforth and Sandy MacIver are the other unlucky players to miss out on a place in the final roster.
However, there is a place for Fran Kirby – who has not played since February due to a fatigue-related illness.
Arsenal’s Leah Williamson will captain England during the tournament.
About her selection, Wiegman said: ‘I am enthusiastic about what is possible for this group. We all know this is a huge opportunity that we need to grab with both hands. The opportunity to represent the nation on such a grand stage domestically is one to savor.
“This group has proven so far that they are willing to give everything in every training session, in every meeting and in every game.
“Making the final roster is always difficult because we know the talent and commitment of each player.
“All 28 players have all been fantastic on and off the pitch since I started. I am sure those we have had to disappoint will give everything to support us and be ready when called upon.
“Of course we hope to avoid any setbacks before we start against Austria, but we know where to turn if we need a replacement.
“Being together is a big part of what we all stand for and from every player on the squad to my amazing support team, and with the strong support from everyone at the FA and our fans, we are determined to have a summer of it. make one you will never forget. †
There is room for Fran Kirby who has not played since February due to a fatigue-related illness
Arsenal’s Leah Williamson to captain England at home this summer
England will take on Belgium tomorrow night in their first warm-up match in Molineux before further games against the Netherlands on June 24 and Switzerland on June 30.
Should players be injured during those matches, Wiegman has until the start of the tournament to change her roster.
Their first group match of the tournament, against Austria, will take place on July 6 at Old Trafford. They will then face Norway on July 11, for the final group match against Northern Ireland on July 15.