Former England captain Steph Houghton MBE has revealed her decision to retire from football following the culmination of the 2023-24 season. Throughout her illustrious career, spanning 14 years with the senior team, Houghton earned 121 caps for the Lionesses.
Her international journey included three World Cup appearances in 2011, 2015, and 2019, along with participation in the EURO Finals of 2013 and 2017, proudly representing England on the global stage.
Houghton’s ascent to the senior team followed a notable progression through England’s development ranks, competing at WU19, WU20, WU21, and WU23 levels before making her senior debut in 2007 against Russia in Milton Keynes.
However, her early years were marred by adversity, as a broken leg sidelined her during the 2007 World Cup, followed by a serious knee injury that ruled her out of EURO 2009.
Despite these setbacks, Houghton’s resilience shone through as she became one of the initial 17 players to receive a central contract from the FA, solidifying her position as a pivotal figure in the national team under the guidance of Hope Powell.
Following her standout performance for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, where she notably netted a memorable winner against Brazil at Wembley, Steph Houghton’s leadership qualities shone brightly.
In 2014, upon the arrival of Lionesses manager Mark Sampson, she was appointed captain—a role she embraced with unwavering commitment.
On the field, Houghton’s leadership proved instrumental as she guided the Lionesses to a historic third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup in Canada, marking another significant milestone for women’s football in England.
Subsequent semi-final appearances in 2017 and 2019 further amazed the nation and propelled the sport’s growth to new heights.
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, lauded Houghton’s contributions, stating,
“Steph has been instrumental in advancing the women’s game, transcending beyond football to impact sports at large. She epitomizes the essence of a role model.”
“There will be girls who have seen Steph play with talent, determination and integrity and gone home and said: ‘I want to be Steph Houghton.’
“I’d like to personally say ‘thank you Steph’ and also thank her on behalf of the FA for everything she’s done on and off the pitch. We’ve been lucky to have her in the women’s game and I wish her the very best in retirement.”
Kay Cossington, the FA’s women’s technical director, paid tribute to Steph Houghton’s remarkable legacy, stating,
“With 121 England caps and exceptional leadership as captain, Steph has become an icon of the women’s game, solidifying her status as one of our all-time greats.”
“She is recognised across the world of women’s football and her impact is far greater than her historic achievements on the pitch, the exemplary standards she set with England and within her club environments have been a source of huge inspiration for so many seeking to progress.
“Steph will always be welcome at St. George’s Park and Wembley Stadium and we look forward to paying tribute to her at a home fixture and giving her the recognition she deserves.”
Sarina Wiegman, England women’s head coach added:
“Steph deserves all the praise she will rightly receive for her remarkable career. I know she has been inspiring so many young girls to follow in her footsteps.
I wish her the very best with whatever comes next and look forward to being able to celebrate her achievements at one of our games later this year.”
Hailing from Durham, Steph Houghton embarked on her football journey with Sunderland, where her talent shone bright from a young age.
Named FA Young Player of the Year in 2006, she quickly established herself in the first team before transitioning to Leeds Carnegie.
Her time at Leeds saw her pivotal role in securing the Women’s FA Cup title in 2010 before she ventured to Arsenal later that year.
At Arsenal, Houghton added to her accolades with back-to-back Women’s Super League titles in 2011 and 2012, alongside two more FA Cup wins in 2011 and 2013.
In 2014, she returned to her roots in the north, signing with Manchester City. Her tenure with the club saw continued success, with another Women’s Super League title in 2016 and FA Cup victories in 2017, 2019, and 2020, cementing her status as a dominant force in women’s football.