Steph Houghton was not included in the 23-man England squad for the Euro women. Houghton, who led England for eight years, has not played since January due to Achilles injury. The Manchester City defender has made 121 appearances for England, including five major tournaments. “It was a difficult decision. She just is not ready to play. It was just a matter of time and we do not have that time,” said manager Sarina Wiegman. “We made a plan for her and she did what she could. We supported her as best we could. It’s really hard for any player that we had to disappoint. “She is such a great player and she had such a big impact on the English game. Of course she was really very disappointed.” Meet the Lionesses with Ella Toone Midfielder Jill Scott has been called up and will go to her 10th big tournament, despite playing with an injury at the end of the season. Wiegman said Scott continued training at the end of the season to return to fitness and was “in good shape now”. “He performs on the pitch and brings something to our game. As a human being he is so glamorous, he always looks relaxed and makes people smile. He can share all the experience he has,” Wiegman added. Chelsea striker Fran Kirby has also been selected despite struggling with fatigue and has not played since February. Of the 28 women’s provisional squad set in May, goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, defender Niamh Charles and midfielders Katie Zelem and Lucy Staniforth have lost the final selection. England’s all-time leading scorer Ellen White will go to the third consecutive Euro. Manchester City striker Chloe Kelly has been ruled out after recovering from a serious knee injury and will be one of nine players to play in their first major tournament. She has not played under Wiegman yet, but the Netherlands are “excited” to see what Kelly can do in the tournament. “[Kelly] grows and grows. She is excited and we are excited. “We have three preparation games, so we hope to see it a little more.” The Lionesses, who host the tournament, are in Group A for Euro with Austria – their first opponents on July 6 – Norway and Northern Ireland. Teams will be able to make changes to their team due to illness or injury until the first match. England play Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland in friendlies this month. “I’m excited about what is possible for this team. We all know this is a huge opportunity and we have to seize it with both hands,” said Wiegman. “The opportunity to represent the nation on such a big stage at home is a pleasure. This club has so far shown that it is ready to give what it has in every training session, in every meeting and in every game. “Making the final choice is always difficult because we know the talent and commitment of each player. I am sure those who have had to disappoint will give their all to support us and be ready if they are called up.”
“The right decision for the evolution of lions”
Everton midfielder Izzy Christensen said the club’s announcement today would cause “real sadness” for Houghton. “I have personally been in this situation in the past and it will take weeks for it to digest,” Christensen told BBC Radio 5 Live. “Sarina Wiegman is the winner and she was brought in by the FA to make big decisions, and this is one of them. “These decisions are a step in the right decision for the Lionesses to progress to a grand tournament final and win an important trophy.” Christensen, who has 31 appearances in England, added that Scott’s inclusion in the team was positive: “It offers coverage and it also brings threat, you talk about football tournaments and you need to get winners or last-minute draws to move on.” “Jill is a player you can put in 10 minutes to win heads.” Despite struggling with fatigue this season, Christensen believes Kirby’s ability to create chances is “something no other England player has had or has had for many years”. He added: “If Fran is in a good position and has some time to integrate into the tournament, then he may be able to peak at the start of the tournament.”
Analysis
Emma Sanders, BBC Sport Wiegman has made many big decisions since taking the helm in September – naming Leah Williamson as the tournament leader and now leaving Houghton out of her Euro team. The Manchester City defense has always struggled to prove its fitness and with center-backs Millie Bright, Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood impressing both the team and the country this season, it has had tough competition. Scott and White have plenty of tournament experience, while Williamson and Bright are among those who have led the team. In Lauren Hemp and Beth Mead, England have strikers in impressive form, while the inclusion of Chloe Kelly is an exciting wild card. The players who were left out – Staniforth, Zelem, Charles, Houghton and MacIver have played a total of just 46 minutes under Wiegman, so it is not surprising to see them omitted from the final selection.
Team list
Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City). Defenders: Miley Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (unbound), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Houston Das), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stoess-Mohn (G). Midfielders: Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jill Scott (unbound), Ella Toon (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Lilia (Manchester City). Forwards: Beth England (Chelsea), Lauren Hep (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Med (Arsenal), Nikita Paris (Arsenal), Alessia Rousseau (Manchester United).
