England would not have won Euros 2022 without former captain Steph Houghton, says Sky Sports pundit Izzy Christensen.
Houghton, who has captained England at three major tournaments, was not part of the Lyon squad that beat Germany at Wembley to lift the nation’s first trophy in football since 1966, after his season was marred by injury.
But Christiansen, one of Hutton’s team-mates with City and England, say the success would not have been possible without the defender, who is due to retire from football at the end of the season.
“I really don’t think England would have won Euros in 2022 if Steph hadn’t been captain for club and country before,” Christensen said. Sky Sports News.
“His influence in the game, it has been increasing for at least the last 10 or 15 years, especially within the professional change in women’s football,” Christian added.
“Steph is someone I look up to and will always look back on as someone who paved the way for a lot of people and I hope she finds her own identity in the game over the next few months.”
Asked for his reaction to Houghton’s retirement, Christensen said: “Steph is a very good professional but I completely understand his reasoning. It’s mentally and physically exhausting, giving the game so much at a time when many people didn’t believe in it.
“Steph was one of those who paved the way and believed when many did not. She set high standards with her professionalism as a captain.
“Playing with her for Manchester City and England, she was an incredible leader and she will continue to be for the rest of the season.”
Houghton has won three Women’s Super League titles – one of them with Christiansen for City in 2016 – but could add another in her final season before her playing career ends.
His City side are level on points with league leaders Chelsea, whose head coach Emma Hayes is spending her farewell season before taking a job with the US women’s national team.
Asked if Hutton’s retirement could speed up City’s season, Christensen said: “I think it will. It will only have a positive effect on a City dressing room that is already happy with the results and where they are. The title is competitive.
“Steph will keep his head down and train hard and do his bit for the team. It will certainly please the girls in Man City. We are in for a treat with the WSL title race, it will go right down to the wire.
“It’s going to be a fairytale ending for Emma Hayes, but it’s also going to be for Hotton in the city.”