SARINA WIEGMAN “would never close” the door on the possibility of Steph Houghton being included in her England World Cup squad.
However the serial-winning Lionesses boss admits the chances of the Manchester City captain, 34, being chosen “are not that high”.
Wiegman, 53 was speaking after Houghton described contending with being left out of the national squad as “mentally tough”
The Man City centre-back, who has 121 senior international caps, was was sharing her thoughts in a BBC Radio Five Live interview.
The Durham-born WSL star has not played for the Euros champions since 2021 following some spells out with injury.
Wiegman, whose side play Australia at Brentford’s home ground on Tuesday night, said: “It’s hard at the moment.
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“She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high.
“But I will never close the door.
“When you are in international football and you are England coach, you want everyone to be available too if things happen for some players and the situation changes.
“But at this moment, I make other choices.”
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Houghton, who played for the Lionesses in five major tournaments, admits she would have to “re-evaluate” things if a summer call-up does not arise.
While the former England captain wants to keep “knocking on that door” she acknowledges her omission will not stop her from wanting the team to succeed at the World Cup this year.
Wiegman added: “Steph is a very good, very experienced player.
“I have a lot of respect for what she has done for the women’s game and she has come back in the squad for Man City.
“But the players I have now in that position I don’t want to take out because I think they perform really well. That’s the reason why.
“It is difficult because she has done so much for the game.
“It’s difficult with everyone because everyone trains so hard and so does she.”
The Lionesses’ clash with Australia comes five days after their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil via a penalty shootout.
The victory saw them go 30 games unbeaten under Wiegman
Tomorrow’s match could see Sam Kerr in action with the Matildas record goal scorer rested for her team’s 1-0 loss to Scotland on Friday.
And Leicester forward Remy Siemsen might feature having received a call-up on Sunday following Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara’s withdrawal from Australia’s camp.
The game could also see Ella Toone, 23, start alongside her Man United pal and summer transfer target Alessia Russo
Both featuring against Brazil last Thursday with Toone netting normal time but seeing her spot-kick saved.
Russo, who has netted 11 goals in 20 senior Lionesses appearances, has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides including French giants Lyon.
The WSL star, whose Red Devils contract is due to expire at the end of this season, has scored eight goals in 15 top tier games this term.
On if she hopes to continue playing alongside Russo at club level, Toone added: “We’re joined at the hip and we’re best friends.
“We love each other’s company. That will never change no matter where Alessia Russo is. I love playing with her.
“Right now we’re at England camp, spending every minute together and playing football together.
“So now it’s just about enjoying now and whatever happens, happens.”
England’s clash with the Matildas comes 102 days before their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia
This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with England aiming to follow their Euros triumph on home soil with a World Cup win.
Toone said: “For us it was so exciting knowing we were hosting a major tournament in our country.
“For the Australians it will be massive. Hopefully we can get loads of fans in the stadiums enjoying the football.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
