Steph Houghton Reveals the Secret Weapon That Could Secure England’s Euro Defense—and It’s Dominating Rivals’ Fears

England is gearing up to kick off their Euros journey on July 5th, and let me tell you, the buzz around the Lionesses is electrifying. They’re not just participating—they’re one of the top contenders eyeing the trophy this summer. It’s been decades since an England senior team carried the weight of defending a major title—since 1970, to be exact—making this campaign all the more thrilling. Of course, they’re not alone in this quest; powerhouses like Spain and Germany are equally poised and primed to snatch the glory, showing formidable form going into the tournament. But here’s the thing: former England captain Steph Houghton vouches for England’s attacking might, and honestly—who can argue with her? With a squad brimming with talent and determination, the stage is set for some unforgettable football drama. LEARN MORE

England start their Euros campaign on 5 July and they are amongst the favourites to win the trophy this summer.

The Lionesses are the first senior England team to be defending a major tournament trophy since 1970. However, the likes of Spain and Germany are also favourites for the silverware and have been in impressive form.

But former England defender and captain Steph Houghton believes the Lionesses have the fire power to see them through.

England: Can they win the title?

Houghton, who retired in 2024, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “You look at the likes of Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp, Aggie Beever-Jones.

“You’ve got Lauren James that can play in there.

“I don’t know many teams in the Euros that are going to compete with that front six.

“Obviously on that right hand side with Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly, who do that at Arsenal every week and Lauren Hemp coming back from injury for Man City.

“You are going to have a fresh Lauren Hemp that is going to be eager to impress. She is at the age where she is going to be in her peak years.

“I do feel as though if we can get them forward players firing with the pace that we have but also the finishing ability, I really do think that the likes of the Netherlands and France who we are playing in the first two group games it’s going to be a real struggle to keep them [England] at bay.”

England are in a tough group with France, the Netherlands and Wales, whom they are playing in that order.

The sentiments by Houghton were shared by ex-England star Izzy Christiansen, who particularly believes Hemp will be key for England.

She added: “She is the creme de la creme of wingers. I hope she has the tournament where she can reach the levels she can.

“Lauren Hemp would never, ever in a million years describe herself as a leader. But she is one because of the way she plays. She is ridiculous on the dribble.”

Hemp spent around five months on the sidelines with a knee injury during the 2024/25 season but returned for club Man City at the end of the campaign.

She will be a key figure, as will be Lauren James if she is fit enough to take part.

James has been out with injury since April and has not played since. Her next chance to get some playing minutes will be when the Lionesses play Jamaica on Friday.