Former England Captain Houghton left out of squad for Women’s Euros

Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has made a notable decision by announcing tonight that Steph Houghton has not been included for the forthcoming women’s Euros.

Houghton, who captained England for the duration of eight years, has not played since January due to an Achilles injury.

The Manchester City defender has made 121 appearances for England, including no less than five major tournaments, and is a major omission from the squad of 23 players.

Midfielder Jill Scott will  be heading off to her tenth major tournament despite struggling with injury at the end of the season.

Scott has continued training at the end of the season to return back to fitness ahead of this summers tournament.

Chelsea forward Fran Kirby has been named in the squad despite having not played since February due to fatigue.

From the original 28 player provisional squad named in May, goalkeeper Sandy Maclver, defender Niamh Charles and midfielders Katie Zelem and Lucy Staniforth have missed out on final selection.

However, one key player who hasn’t missed out is England’s all-time leading goal scorer Ellen White who will be taking part in her third successive Euros.

Manchester City forward Chloe Kelly has also been named in the squad after recovering from a serious knee injury, and will be one of nine players taking part in their first ever major tournament.

The Lionesses, who are hosting the tournament, are in Group A for the Euros alongside Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland.

The lead up to the tournament will see England face Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland in friendlies later this month.

Squad list

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (unattached), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Rachel Daly (Houston Dash), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Demi Stokes (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Fran Kirby (Chelsea), Jill Scott (unattached), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal).

Forwards: Beth England (Chelsea), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Nikita Parris (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Ellen White (Manchester City).

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