28 Facts About Steph Houghton

Stephanie Jayne Darby, commonly known as Steph Houghton, is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

At club level, Steph Houghton started at Sunderland in her native North East England, before moving on to Leeds Carnegie in 2007, where she won the FA Women's Premier League Cup.

Steph Houghton broke into the Sunderland team as a striker before moving back into midfield and later into defence.

Since her debut in 2007, Steph Houghton has played over 100 times for England women's national team.

Steph Houghton suffered serious injuries immediately before the 2007 World Cup and Euro 2009, but recovered to play in the 2011 World Cup and Euro 2013.

Steph Houghton was made England captain in January 2014, and went on to captain her country at two World Cups and a Women's Euro, earning a bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup.

At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Steph Houghton scored three goals in Great Britain's four games, including winners against New Zealand and Brazil.

Steph Houghton represented Great Britain again in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Steph Houghton was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire in the 2016 New Year Honours for services to football.

Steph Houghton was awarded the Freedom of the City of Sunderland on 8 March 2023.

Steph Houghton began her career playing for five years at Sunderland.

On 5 December 2013, it was announced that Steph Houghton had signed an agreement to leave Arsenal for new WSL side Manchester City on 1 January 2014.

Steph Houghton signed a two-year contract extension with City on 24 January 2020.

Steph Houghton was involved with England at U16 schools, U19, U20, U21 and U23 level.

Steph Houghton was called into the full squad for a match against Germany on 25 October 2006, when Katie Chapman withdrew with an illness.

Steph Houghton missed the 2007 World Cup with a broken leg and Euro 2009 with a damaged cruciate ligament.

In May 2009, Steph Houghton was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by The Football Association.

Steph Houghton scored her first World Cup goal against Norway in the round of 16, and was chosen Player of the Match during the quarterfinals with Canada, which qualified England for their first semi-finals ever.

Steph Houghton earned her 100th England cap on 11 November 2018 against Sweden at New York Stadium in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

In May 2019, it was announced that Steph Houghton had been selected for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

Steph Houghton scored a goal in the Round of 16 match against Cameroon.

Steph Houghton was allotted 164 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England's inaugural international.

Steph Houghton was called up to the first Great Britain women's side for the 2012 Summer Olympics as a defender.

Steph Houghton was named left back of the tournament due to her outstanding performance during the games.

Steph Houghton represented Great Britain again at the 2020 Summer Olympics, featuring three times during the tournament.

In October 2014, Steph Houghton was the first female player to appear on the cover of Shoot magazine.

Steph Houghton was recognised as one of the BBC's 100 women of 2017.

In March 2023, Steph Houghton received the Freedom of the City of Sunderland; at the ceremony, the Sunderland Echo asked how to pronounce her surname.