Steph Houghton hands over England captaincy after eight years as Lionesses enter a new era

Steph Houghton has handed over the England captaincy after holding the armband for eight years. The Manchester City defender passes over captain duties to Leah Williamson, who was already set to take over under new boss Sarina Wiegman at this summer's home European Championship. Ad/> Houghton has won over 100 caps for England and captained the Lionesses in three consecutive tournaments, but with doubts over her fitness England enter a new era with a new captain in charge.

Liga'Lewandowski could play for resurgent Barca' — Inside Europe2 HOURS AGO «It has been the greatest honour and privilege to captain my country for the last eight years,» Houghton said in a statement. «I have been fortunate to lead the team to three major competition semi-finals and a bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup. Whilst the targets were always to win tournaments, I will always have immense pride in how we played, competed and how much we achieved.

»The past 12 months have been very difficult for me from a football perspective, in trying to overcome a number of injuries. «The captaincy is being passed on to a very deserving and driven leader in Leah Williamson.» Williamson admitted she had big shoes to fill and credited Houghton with getting England, who face Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, to where they are today. "[Houghton] has led the team to this period we're in now.