Sarina Wiegman lifts lid on Steph Houghton conversation after Man City star's England omission
The Manchester City defender has previously described her England exile as 'mentally tough' and has now missed out on the squad for the Australia & New Zealand 2023 World Cup
Sarina Wiegman has revealed she personally informed Manchester City defender Steph Houghton about her omission from England's World Cup squad.
The centre-back has enjoyed an impressive season for Gareth Taylor's side, partnering fellow Lioness Alex Greenwood in City's back line. Houghton has racked up 121 England caps over the past 16 years but has not played for her country since 2021 due to a series of injury problems.
In April, the 35-year-old admitted her England exile had been "mentally tough" and revealed she was targeting a return for the World Cup, which takes place in Australia and New Zealand in July and August.
"I thought I was probably in the best position over March and April but sometimes no matter what you do, you're not going to please someone," she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"I just want closure on the situation. Have I got a chance, or is it not possible? But, I understand [Wiegman] can't provide that closure because there's a World Cup coming up and you've got to have as many players available.
"I respect what she has done for the country and I'm proud of all the girls and what they've achieved, but as a professional footballer you want to be playing in the best teams and tournaments and the World Cup is certainly that."
Wiegman announced her 23-player squad for this summer's showpiece tournament on Wednesday, with Houghton failing to make the cut. However, the Dutchwoman revealed she had spoken personally with the defender about the decision.
"She has been in our conversations all the time too for defenders of course," Wiegman said. "I had a conversation with her yesterday and she isn't part of the squad and she knows it."
While Houghton won't be on the plane to Australia and New Zealand, it's a different story for six of her Manchester City teammates. Goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck, defenders Alex Greenwood and Esme Morgan, midfielder Laura Coombs and forwards Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly all feature in Wiegman's squad.
England squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps [Manchester United], Ellie Roebuck [Manchester City], Hannah Hampton [Aston Villa]
Defenders: Millie Bright [Chelsea], Alex Greenwood [Manchester City], Lucy Bronze [Barcelona], Jess Carter [Chelsea], Niamh Charles [Chelsea], Lotte Wubben-Moy [Arsenal], Esme Morgan [Manchester City]
Midfielders: Keira Walsh [Barcelona], Georgia Stanway [Bayern Munich], Ella Toone [Manchester United], Jordan Nobbs [Aston Villa], Laura Coombs [Manchester City], Katie Zelem [Manchester United]
Forwards:
Bethany England [Tottenham], Rachel Daly [Aston Villa], Lauren Hemp [Manchester City], Lauren James [Chelsea], Katie Robinson [Brighton], Chloe Kelly [Manchester City], Alessia Russo [Manchester United]
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