England head coach Sarina Wiegman has strongly hinted that Manchester City captain Steph Houghton won’t be selected for this summer’s World Cup.

The defender has been capped 121 times by her country but she has not been picked since 2021 by Wiegman. When asked about the chances of a recall, the Lionesses boss said:

“It’s hard, at the moment She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high. But I will never close the door.”

Houghton was originally left out due to injury problems but she has been a regular starter alongside Alex Greenwood in the centre of City’s defence in recent weeks. There was, therefore, greater optimism that Wiegman would bring her back for the World Cup.

As things stand, though, it doesn’t look likely that the 34-year-old will be given the chance to feature at a sixth major tournament for her country.

While Houghton has said she is still available for England selection, the centre-back has hinted she may contemplate international retirement if she doesn’t go to the tournament Down Under.