Steph Houghton is ‘one of the greatest’ – I would not be where I am today without her incredible legacy

I will never forget the first time I watched Steph Houghton lead out the Lionesses.

I had grown up watching the likes of John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney lead out the England men’s squad at major tournaments, cheering when they scored (sometimes) and crying when they lost (often).

But as I watched Houghton captain England in their first match at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, I realised I was about to watch something life-changing.

As a young girl who had joined in with the boys’ football matches in the playground but never had the chance to play it in PE, seeing a squad of women who not only played so very well on the pitch, but were also such inspiring role models off the pitch was quite mesmerising.

And Houghton was perhaps the most inspiring of them all.

She led her team through the group stages with relative ease, her side conceding just one goal despite having Japan, Scotland and Argentina to contest with.

And England’s success went on, with Houghton at the root of all that was good in the team.

Their truly bizarre Round of 16 match saw them contend with a Cameroon side who appeared unwilling to restart their match after two VAR decisions went against them.

But England remained calm and collected in the face of sheer chaos, their composure epitomised in Houghton, who found their first goal as they went on to win 3-0.

They won their quarter-final against Norway by the same margin, a performance in which England’s attackers stole the show – but in which the defensive skill of Houghton and her backline did not gain the deserved praise.

11

11

The Lionesses looked unstoppable, as visions of them lifting the World Cup trophy began to creep into the minds of the nation: but it was not to be.

England’s defeat to eventual champions the USA will go down as one of the most devastating losses this team has suffered at a major tournament.

In the 84th minute, with England 2-1 down, Houghton stepped up to the spot to take a penalty which she knew had the power to keep her team in the tournament.

Speaking after the match the Man City captain told the media: “I got told today (that I’d be taking any penalty) and I’ve been practising them a lot and I was confident.”

The bravery it takes to captain your country at the semi-final of a major tournament is remarkable; but to also step up and take a match-defining penalty, well aware of the stakes, takes a strength that is simply beyond comprehension.

Nor did Houghton’s demeanour change when her penalty was agonisingly saved.

She said: “I just didn’t get a good connection. I’m gutted. I’ve let the team down. I’m gutted and heartbroken. We were so close but I’m proud of everyone because we gave it everything.”

With just a few words, the defender took the burden upon herself and praised the immense efforts of a team that she had led on a wonderful run.

11

11

11

The cruelty of the injuries that would plague Houghton in the next few years hindered her career and ultimately prevented her from really competing for a place in Sarina Wiegman’s Euro 2022 squad and also led to her slowly being phased out of Man City’s starting XI.

It is utterly heartbreaking that Houghton’s final act at a major tournament for England was that missed penalty.

But I hope she knows that is not what will define her legacy.

Houghton may not have been in the team that lifted the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley as England ended a trophy drought that had stretched on since 1966.

But none of England’s vast success in recent years would have been possible if they were not standing on the shoulders of giants.

And as her former Lionesses and Man City Lucy Bronze teammate told talkSPORT, Steph was one of the greatest of the giants.

“Steph’s legacy really is that old-school to new-school. I think she was massive in the development of the England team, especially,” she said. “A lot of work behind the scenes. Obviously, I was her vice captain for many of those years – I saw a lot of the work she put in.

“At the top of her game, she really was one of the best centre-backs in the world. We sometimes forget that because she’s done so much more in the game. The career that she’s had – specifically when I think of her career at England – she really took this team to another level and helped set that stage for where we’re at now.

11

11

“You know, we talk about Sarina coming in and the young players and all these fantastic players we have now, I think it wouldn’t be possible without the likes of Steph.”

Lionesses boss Wiegman also told talkSPORT she was full of similar praise at the end of Houghton’s 22-year glittering career.

“Absolute legend, what she’s done for the game,” she said. “She’s so well-respected and deservedly well-respected here in England and she’s had an impact at Man City.

“Her leadership has been tremendous. Hopefully, she stays in the game – because it would be really good if she stays in the game. But first of course, with Manchester City, they want to finish really good (in the WSL).”

“She deserves the very, very best.”

Houghton leaves football with 17 major trophies to her name, as well as a World Cup bronze medal.

Her 121 appearances and 13 goals for England etch her name into the history books forever.

Off the pitch, she has been an advocate not only for women’s football but also for a cause very close to her own heart.

11

11

After her husband, ex-Liverpool defender Stephen Darby, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2018, Houghton became committed to raising awareness.

She completed a 178-mile march in early 2024 where £130,000 was raised for people who have MND.

When she announced her retirement in March 2024, Houghton’s statement read: “If I know I’ve left this game in a better place, then for me, I know I’ve done half of my job.”

Few have done more to leave the game in a better place.

For some, Houghton’s skill on the pitch has been the catalyst for the beginning of a career in football.

For others, her captaincy and leadership style will have been an example of strength in hard times,

For me, if Houghton and the Lionesses had not made such an impact all those years ago, then I would not be a journalist working in the ever-growing world of women’s football today.

As Man City prepare a matchday squad which will include Houghton for the last time, the whole of the football world know they are losing a legend.

11

So on behalf of a nation of footballers, fans and young girls with dreams who now have a better chance than ever of making a career from the beautiful game – thank you, Steph.