da bet vitoria： Former England captain Steph Houghton has teased a potential move into coaching following her recent retirement as a player.

da dobrowin： Article continues below

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Houghton weights up next chapterEx-England captain now retiredCoaching qualifications in progressWHAT HAPPENED?

Playing her final game for Manchester City on the last day of the 2023-24 WSL season, Houghton is weighing up her next move. She completed part of her coaching qualifications towards the end of 2023, something which seemingly accelerated hanging up her boots. However, the 36-year-old isn't sure if she's quite ready to dive into coaching with both feet.

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Houghton said, via : "I completed my B licence over Christmas and I think that was probably part of my decision to retire. I enjoyed being on the grass and giving something in a different way. All the girls have been asking, 'Are you coming back to give the team talks?' I've said, 'No girls, I've done my ten years of that'.

"I think I would have attributes to go down the coaching route but when I was doing 9am-7pm at St George's Park every day I was thinking, 'I don't know if I'm down for this'.

"I like to learn. I like to try something new, so for me it's just about having an open mind to try and wanting to progress in a different area and try different things really."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Houghton has only just stopped playing after a 22-year career that began when she made her first-team debut for Sunderland at the age of just 14 in 2002. As a result, a new-found freedom that she has never known could delay the next chapter.

"I'm actually most looking forward to the simple things. Sunday dinner, seeing my nephews grow up, spending time with family. Just being able to take ownership and having a little bit more freedom, to be honest," she explained.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HOUGHTON?

In the short-term, Houghton could entertain more media work, having combined the later years of her playing career with ad-hoc punditry gigs. As for Manchester City, their defence is in need of fresh blood ahead of next season after also bidding farewell to long-serving left-back Demi Stokes and the versatile Esme Morgan.