England captain Steph Houghton in doubt against Norway

VALENCIENNES, FRANCE - JUNE 23: Cameroon coach Alain Djeumfa and England Coach Phil Neville have words after Steph Houghton of England is fouled and lies injured on the touchline during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France Round Of 16 match between England and Cameroon at Stade du Hainaut on June 23, 2019 in Valenciennes, France. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Steph Houghton suffered an injury during England’s 3-0 win over Cameroon in the Round of 16, and the Manchester City star’s status is in doubt for her team’s quarterfinal game against Norway.

England defeated Cameroon convincingly 3-0 in their Round of 16 game, but they did have some shaky moments defensively that could have let their opponents back into the game. They will have to be stout at the back against a Norway team that creates a bevy of chances and boasts one of the tournament’s standout players in Caroline Graham Hansen. But England may have to accomplish this task without captain and star defender Steph Houghton.

The Manchester City captain suffered an ankle injury against Cameroon on a play that could have warranted a red card. Houghton was fouled by Alexandra Engolo late with the game already in hand, and it was a dangerous challenge. Although the referee was wise to avoid giving a red card after Cameroon had already suffered several controversial VAR decisions, the damage to Houghton had already been done.

England manager Phil Neville recently stated that Houghton “is a doubt” for the Lionesses’ quarterfinal tilt against Norway due to the injury.

"“Steph is a doubt. She was in a lot of pain after the game, she didn’t do the press conference, it was a bad tackle, and she won’t be training today.”"

Houghton has only a few more days to recover, as England face Norway on Thursday. It will be one of the tournament’s most exciting games, and while England should still be the more talented side on paper without Houghton, they would sorely miss their captain’s cool head and excellent tackling. Not only did Houghton score against Cameroon (she was named Player of the Match), but she also made a goal-saving tackle against Japan in the final match of the group stages.

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Of course, Houghton is no stranger to shining with goal-saving plays at the World Cup. Her clearance in the third-place game against Germany at the last World Cup was nothing short of incredible.

All eyes will be on Houghton’s status as the week continues, since the center back (technically she can play any position) could be key in stopping the unplayable Graham Hansen.