England still among World Cup favourites despite injuries, says Steph Houghton

Former England captain Steph Houghton has warned to ‘expect the unexpected’ at the upcoming Women’s World Cup.

The Manchester City centre-back has England down as one of the favourites in a competition she believes is too close to call.

Houghton, who will be on punditry duty with the BBC during the tournament, expects Spain to play the most entertaining football and the reigning champions the USA to mount a strong defence of their title.

‘Whenever I’ve been involved in a World Cup it’s always been the USA as favourites, and rightly so with their history and the players that they had,’ she told Metro.co.uk.

‘But it’s very much open in the tournament this year, it will be all about who has that winning mentality and who can use their squad to keep everybody as fresh as possible.

‘I think it will be hard to predict.’

England has been rocked by notable injuries – with the likes of Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead  ruled out – in the lead-up to the World Cup.

But Houghton points to the fact that none of the leading contenders have had a smooth build up.

France, Canada and Spain have had public disputes over leadership, launched battles for funding and faced in-fighting with federations.

‘I don’t think any team’s build-up to the tournament has been perfect in comparison to previous years’, continued Houghton. 

‘England has got to be up there [in the favourites] because of the amazing Euros success. You also have Australia with the likes of Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord on top of the home nation advantage.

‘And Germany’s overall mentality and their ability to win will be hard to look past.

‘Spain have got some great experience on the team, but it will be interesting to see how they do in this tournament and how that team cohesion is after months of deliberations.’

Houghton doesn’t expect England to have too many problems qualifying for the knockout stages after being drawn with Denmark, Haiti and China.

‘You’ve got to expect the unexpected’, she added, however.

The City captain says fans should keep an eye on the so-called ‘group of death’ – featuring France, Jamaica, Brazil and Panama – which could offer a healthy dose of drama.

With a target likely to be on the backs of proven gamechangers, such as England’s Keira Walsh, there will be an opening for the tournament’s break-out star.

Houghton added: ‘You always have that one player that nobody really has on their radar, then all of a sudden they pull out an unbelievable performance over the whole tournament. 

‘There are so many great young players coming through now. I’m looking at them and thinking if they can get confidence in the first game, they can really go on and shine for their countries.’

Houghton has played alongside the seasoned players in the England side, and helped inspire several of the younger Lionesses.

A picture of a young Georgia Stanway – sporting a Grealish-esque barnet – with Houghton recently did the rounds on social media.

‘Georgia and I have been on a journey together since that picture,’ she recalled fondly. 

‘I always remember the first day she came to Man City and we just knew she was going to be a great player even then. She was getting stuck in from day one. 

‘Georgia has had a great year for both Bayern Munich and England, so I’m hoping she can do the business this tournament as well.’

Houghton will form part of the BBC’s punditry team for the Women’s World Cup, where she hopes England can replicate their Euros success.

She added: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be working with the BBC. Having the games broadcast there is a great opportunity for everyone to get behind the players from here in the UK.

‘We’re finding a lot more interest in women’s football and major tournaments and why not – the games are really good to watch.

‘This is an opportunity for even more people to watch the women’s game for the first time – it’s becoming the norm for it to be on tele. People are talking about women’s football, whether it be on social media or in the media and on TV.

‘For me, that’s a great position to be in, especially for the younger generation. It’s what we wanted to have, it’s what we’ve pushed for.

‘Part of the success is thanks to the fantastic performances the players have been putting on, such as for England and in the Women’s Super League.

‘We’re in a great position for women’s football and long may it continue.’

Steph Houghton is part of BBC Sport’s World Cup punditry team in coverage across BBC television, BBC iPlayer & BBC Sounds

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