England captain Steph Houghton has told BBC Sport she is “100% sure” she will be fit for the start of the Lionessess World cup campaign in Canada on 6 June.
The Manchester City player suffered a knee injury during the Cyprus Cup in March and was ruled out for up to 10 weeks.
This has meant she is yet to feature for Nick Cushing’s side in the WSL 1 and is facing a race to be fit in time for the announcement of the England World Cup squad on 11 May.
However the defender did take part in her side’s pre-match warm up before their recent defeat to Arsenal and is looking forward to being back playing football soon.
“It’s really bad timing but I know that when these things happen, you’ve just got to be more positive than you ever can be,” Houghton told BBC Sport.
“It’s frustrating when you get an injury and the first two weeks were a little bit slow letting it heal but it’s all about getting stronger and as fit as I can whilst being injured.
“I’m joining back in training in the next few weeks but it’s important that we just take it day by day.” Thankfully, the 26 year old didn’t require surgery on her knee but after previous injuries prevented her playing in the World Cup in 2007 and the Euro championship’s in 2009, Houghton said the prospect of missing another major tournament is weighing on her mind.
“It’s worrying but it’s just one of those things. It’s football.
“I’m in good hands and I’ve been progressing really well. I’m just looking forward to getting on the ball in the next few weeks.”
Houghton has 53 caps for the national side and was named England captain last April. She made her senior debut in 2007 and has featured in two major tournaments since – the 2011 World Cup and the 2013 Euro’s.
