STEPH HOUGHTON has been left out of England’s final 23-player squad for this summer’s home Euros.
Lucy Staniforth, Katie Zelem, Niamh Charles and Sandy MacIver are the others from the provisional 28-strong group omitted by Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman.
Houghton, England’s captain at their last three major tournaments, has not played since January due to an Achilles issue, for which she underwent surgery in February.
Jill Scott and Fran Kirby are two out of action towards the end of the season to get the nod from Wiegman, who named Leah Williamson as her skipper for the tournament in April.
The news comes on the eve of England’s first of three warm-up matches, against Belgium at Molineux — the team then play Holland at Elland Road and Switzerland in Zurich before opening the tournament by taking on Austria at Old Trafford on 6 July.
The door is not entirely closed at this stage for those left out of the 23 — changes can be made to the squad until 26 June.
Wiegman said in a statement from the Football Association: “I am excited by what is possible for this group.
“We all know this is a huge opportunity and it is one we have to grab with both hands. The chance to represent the nation on such a big stage on home soil is one to relish.
“This group so far has proven they are prepared to give it all they have in every training session, in every meeting and in every game.
“Making the final selection is always difficult because we know the talent and commitment of every single player.
“All 28 players have all been superb on and off the pitch, since I started (last September). I am certain those we have had to disappoint will give everything to support us and be ready if called upon.
“Of course, we hope to avoid any setbacks before we start against Austria but we know where we can turn in case we need a replacement.
“Togetherness is a big part of what we are all about and from every player in the squad to my superb support team, and with the strong backing of everyone at the FA and our fans, we are committed to make it a summer to remember.”
Interesting move by cowboys, certainly part tactical move by Jerry Jones to gain leverage against Prescott, if talk of him holding out joining up with team until last minute before start of season to get contract sorted are true, while he would have gotten away with that and walked straight into starting spot with last year’s backup I could see him struggle if Dalton has a full training camp and pre season.
Surprised the Patriots didn’t pick him up, especially at that price. Shrewd move by the Cowboys though, gain some leverage on Prescott.
He’ll be better than Prescott at the Cowboys given the chance, and he wont have to wear that god awful Bengals uniform anymore
@Ollie Ryan: the uniform.that looks 100 times better than the brownes uniform ?
Nah but seriously he is a fantastic back up and I agree I think he could be/have been better than Prescott
@Ollie Ryan: it’s nice to have another browns fan about. Ya I think Dalton is decent and Bengals offence and defence never helped. Great signing.
@Caoimhín O’Cheallacháin: I thought I was the only one
@Colm Connolly: unlike The Browns, The Bengals have all the ingredients there to make a classy uniform, but it’s an eye sore
@Colm Connolly: You do know where the Bengals got their colours from?
@Ollie Ryan: haha ya , I have to day thou for years I preferred the Bengals jerseys but that white jersey the browns have now looks pretty sharp or at least as sharp as a browns jersey can
@Ollie Ryan: im on an island here but i think the Bengals and browns have the best helmets and unis in the league
@Ollie Ryan: no I’m just hoping baker can turn into the QB I think he can be. I like his story. See if he can overcome this adversity next!