Steph Houghton to be honoured at Wembley

Former England captain Steph Houghton MBE will be honoured in a retirement ceremony ahead of the Lionesses’ prestigious meeting with Germany at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Friday 25 October.

Houghton’s remarkable England career saw her win 121 caps for the senior team across 14 years. She featured in three World Cups in 2011, 2015 and 2019 and at the EURO Finals in 2013 and 2017.

In 2014, Houghton was named England captain for the first time and in a breakthrough moment for women’s football, she led the team to a historical bronze medal in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Houghton went on to lead the Lionesses to consecutive major tournament semi-final appearances in 2017 and 2019, capturing the nation’s imagination and catapulting the growth of the women’s game even further.

Fans wanting to show their appreciation to Houghton’s outstanding career ahead of kick-off can still purchase tickets for the fixture here.

In a fitting tribute, Wembley Stadium has been home to some of Houghton’s most memorable football moments. She famously scored the winner against Brazil in Team GB’s 1-0 victory at the London 2012 Olympics in front of a crowd of 70,000. She also walked up the famous steps to the Royal Box and lifted the Women’s FA Cup trophy in 2017, 2019 and 2020 for Manchester City.

"It was the greatest honour and privilege of my football career to have represented England, and then to go on to captain my country for eight years," said Houghton.

"My time with England coincided with huge changes in women’s football, as we went through the period of amateur to professional. As I have said before, I hope that I left the game in a better place than when I came into it and that I contributed in some small way to giving the next generation of players a better future.

"I was fortunate to have played with amazing players and absolute legends of the game. I learnt from managers, coaches and support staff at every camp and tournament. I will forever look back on some amazing memories and it will be special to go back to Wembley and say goodbye to the superb England fans."

Kay Cossington, our women’s technical director, added: "I'm delighted we can all come together with the fans at Wembley Stadium on a very special night and pay tribute to Steph’s remarkable England career.

"Steph’s impact and leadership has played a pivotal role in the Lionesses’ journey. We're all indebted to her contribution and this is our way to say ‘thank you’ for everything she has done, not just for England, but for the whole of the women’s game.

"I hope Steph remains involved in the sport, using her expert knowledge and passion to continue to drive progress and help preserve the unique identity and values of women’s football. There’s no doubt she is and will always be remembered as a Lionesses legend."