Let’s take pride in Lioness Steph
THE North East corner of England has produced some truly outstanding international footballers – Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson, Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne were all superb servants for the Three Lions.
But I believe the time has come to recognise the contribution of Lioness Steph Houghton to our national game and her huge role in popularising women’s football in this country.
Today a sell-out crowd in Rotherham will salute Durham-born Houghton when she wins her 100th England cap against Sweden.
The England captain was jokingly “banned” from Thursday’s 3-0 win in Austria because boss Phil Neville wanted to ensure a celebration of her century of caps in front of home fans, family and friends.
He said: “I wanted to make Sunday a special day because she has earned it. She actually doesn’t want it to be about her because she is so humble.”
Modesty and determination have always been Houghton’s most striking qualities. Her professionalism has always shone through even in times of adversity.
As a youngster at South Hetton Primary her ability made her the first girl to play in the school team, despite objections from some of the boys’ parents.
A goal five minutes into her debut, followed by a second, quickly silenced the critics.
That penchant for doing her talking on the field has remained with her throughout a trophy-laden career that began with Sunderland Ladies as a 14-year-old centre forward.
Since then she has gone on to star in a variety of positions for Leeds United, Arsenal and Manchester City, where she’s now a defender.
Wherever, Houghton, 30, has played she has attracted almost universal respect for her leadership, versatility, will-to-win and love of the game.
Her goal for Team GB against Brazil in the 2012 Olympics remains one of the seminal moments in the history of the England women’s team. But in terms of team achievement, captaining the Lionesses to the 2015 World Cup semi finals in Canada is her most significant achievement to date.
Next year Houghton, having led England to another World Cup in France, will dream of doing even better. It’s a global stage that one of the most influential figures ever to grace our women’s game fully deserves. Well done, Steph. LET’S hope after today’s Mancunian derby we’re talking about a great football match and not about whether Nemanja Matic wore a poppy or not.
Some football fans forget that, in a democracy, citizens are free to dissent and act differently.