The 34-year-old central defender was the captain of the national team for eight years. She has been suffering from an Achilles tendon injury since January.
“It was a difficult decision, but she’s just not ready to play games,” Wiegman explained. “It was only a matter of time and we don’t have that time. It’s a shame because she’s such a great player and she’s had such a big impact on England’s game. Of course she was very, very disappointed.”
Steph Houghton
Reuters
Houghton, player of Manchester City, played 121 times for the England national team. Wiegman has named Arsenal’s Leah Williamson their new captain.
England will start the European Championship in their own country on July 6 against Austria and will also meet Norway and Northern Ireland in the group stage.