STEPH HOPES TO MAKE EUROS

STEPH Houghton is hopeful” of making it to the Euros this summer while stressing she must “earn the right” to be in the England squad.

The Durham-born Manchester City defender was named in England boss Sarina Wiegman’s provisional 28-player selection for the home tournament. That group is due to be cut to a final squad of 23 in the second week of June, ahead of the Euros getting under way on July 6.

Houghton is currently recovering after undergoing Achilles surgery in February. The 34-year-old centreback – England’s captain at the last three major tournaments – has not played a match since January, and been prevented by injury from making a single appearance under Wiegman, who took charge of the Lionesses last September.

Houghton said: “It’s been a tough few months and there is still a lot of hard work to go. Of course I am extremely honoured (to make the provisional squad). I’m looking forward to the next few weeks, being a part of the camp and seeing where it takes us.

“I’m hopeful. The injury I had was one that could keep me out for four to six months and obviously with the timing of the Euros it will be a push.”