Houghton: Millie can shine Bright as Lionesses take on the world

Manchester City star Steph Houghton is backing Millie Bright to be a huge success as England captain at the Women's World Cup. 

A serious knee injury sustained by Arsenal defender Leah Williamson in April meant boss Sarina Wiegman had to choose a new face to wear the armband in Australia and New Zealand. 

And ex-Lionesses captain Houghton believes her former centre-back partner — who won a domestic double with Chelsea last term — will excel in her new leadership role.

Speaking exclusively to LiveScore, the 121-cap international said: "She will really take it in her stride. Millie is the type of leader who is vocal on the pitch and always leads by example.

"I have no doubt she will be amazing as captain at this tournament.

"Millie's been a massive part of Chelsea's success over the past few years.

"When you get those players who play for league-winning teams and are competing for trophies, their mentality is just to win no matter what."

No Mead to panic

As well as losing Williamson to injury, England will be without Arsenal winger Beth Mead.

The Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner ruptured her ACL last November and was unable to recover in time to make Wiegman's squad. 

But Houghton believes the Lionesses have more than enough firepower to cope in her absence.

The defender, 35, said: "The forward area is one of the strongest for England — even without Mead! 

"Chloe Kelly had an unbelievable season at City, Lauren James has come into the mix and then there's Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly and Lauren Hemp.

"So hopefully we wouldn't have needed to rely on Mead as much for this tournament anyway."

On her preferred front three, Houghton added: "At this moment in time I'd go Kelly, Daly and Hemp."

No pressure

Despite not naming James in her chosen attacking trio, Houghton is well aware of the young Chelsea star's talent.

But she also stressed the need for the 21-year-old not to be put under too much pressure.

Houghton, one of the BBC's World Cup pundits, said: "James is going to be one England's best players over the next few years but we have to look after her.

"This is her first major tournament and we put so much pressure on these young players that sometimes it gets too much for them.

"She could potentially start — but could also come on and make the difference.

"I don't think she's an out-and-out winger. In those central areas as a No10 or just off the striker, that's where she can be more effective."

Watch out for the hosts

Houghton, who captained England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in both 2015 and 2019, is tipping Wiegman's side to reach the same stage this summer.

The City ace said: "I think England will get to the semi-finals.

"This World Cup is going to be one of the toughest yet due to the inclusion of more teams and home nation Australia having strong backing.

"We saw how important home support is previously in England with the Euros."

As for who she thinks will lift the trophy, Houghton said: "I can't rule Australia out and the fact they've got Sam Kerr helps. 

"Germany are always so strong and produce in major tournaments. And my dark horses are France and Spain."

Steph Houghton will join BBC Sport's World Cup punditry team in coverage across BBC TV, BBC iPlayer & BBC Sounds