Skipper Houghton has surgery on knee

England skipper Steph Houghton is out of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Russia as she prepares to undergo surgery on a knee injury.

The 30-year-old Manchester City defender will have an operation on her right knee today after revealing she has been playing through t h e problem for several months.

The former Sunderland star, from South Hetton, tweeted: “Gutted to not be joining up with @England this week but took the hard decision to have surgery tomorrow on my right knee.

“After playing with a problem for the last few months, this is the best thing for me in long term ahead of a big year for @ ManCity and @England! Wishing all the girls the best of luck on Friday!”

Arsenal’s Leah Williamson has been drafted in to replace Houghton as Phil Neville’s side look to book their place in next summer’s finals in France.

Her club had earlier confirmed that she was to have surgery following the conclusion of the domestic season.

City posted on their official Twitter account: “@stephhoughton2 has sustained an injury to her right knee and will be undergoing surgery this week to treat it. We all wish Steph a speedy recovery! #mancity.”

Houghton was once again a central figure for City last season as they ended the campaign without silverware after a succession of near misses.

They finished as Women’s Super League runners-up behind Chelsea, who also beat them in the FA Cup semi-finals, and missed out on a place in the Champions League final after a 1-0 aggregate defeat by eventual winners Lyon.

Former Sunderland, Leeds and Arsenal player Houghton joined City in January 2014 and has since led the club to league and cup glory. Another former Sunderland player - Lucy Bronze - will captain England on Friday.