England’s 2019 Women’s World Cup semi-final campaign ended in defeat as the USA saved a penalty kick by Houghton in the 84th minute. She accepted the hands of her teammates as they helped her up from the ground at full time, choked back her tears, and went to talk with the media.
“I disappointed the squad. I’m devastated and inconsolable. “I’m proud of everyone because we gave it our all, even though we were so close,” she remarked.
She was a great English leader, and it was the characteristic of a good leader to publicly assume such responsibilities.
Even though this was one of the lowest points in her incredible three-decade career, she handled the situation with the same professionalism, humility, and openness that she would have when she was successful.
Once, Ellen White, the record goalscorer for the Lionesses, expressed her feeling of being “very privileged” to have played with Houghton.
Houghton, who hails from the northeast, which was a hotbed of female football talent in the 2000s, went on to captain her nation for eight years and play 121 games.
