Steph Houghton happy to give ‘driven leader’ Leah Williamson England captaincy

Leah Williamson has been described as a “very deserving and driven leader” by Steph Houghton after being named as England captain for this summer’s home Euros.

Arsenal’s Williamson has been wearing the armband under Lionesses boss Sarina Wiegman in the injury-enforced absence of Manchester City defender Houghton, who had skippered England since 2014.

Houghton is facing a race to be fit for the Euros after undergoing Achilles surgery. The tournament gets under way with Wiegman’s side facing Austria at Old Trafford on July 6.

Following the Football Association’s announcement about Williamson on Tuesday, Houghton posted a message on Twitter paying tribute to the 25-year-old, and also stressing that “I don’t feel my England story is complete”.

Houghton said: “It has been the greatest honour and privilege to captain my country for the last eight years. 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 the 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 from a football perspective in trying to overcome a number of injuries. Sarina and the England staff have been hugely supportive but with the injuries, I understand and respect Sarina’s decision to name a new captain.

“The captaincy is being passed on to a very deserving and driven leader in Leah Williamson, with all the attributes an England captain needs to be successful and I have no doubt she will be.

“I will give my total support to Leah and will be there for her, with any help and advice she may need.

“For me, I don’t feel my England story is complete and I continue to