Former Lioness Steph Houghton believes that Manchester City can win the WSL this season | OneFootball

Steph Houghton has high hopes for Manchester City this season

Former Manchester City and England captain Steph Houghton believes her old club can seriously challenge for major titles this season.

Houghton retired from football at the beginning of last season but she has remained ever-present in the club since calling time on her career.

Can Manchester City win the WSL?

Last season Manchester City finished fourth in the WSL – their joint worst finish in the league since 2014.

Despite a disappointing season, Steph Houghton believes that City can bounce back to their very best form in 2025/26.

“This is a big season for us as a club with a new manager and new players and we’re going through a little bit of a transitional period which happens with every club,” Houghton said.

The Cityzens have hired former Denmark boss, Andree Jeglertz, after Euro 2025 and ahead of the new campaign.

“It’s even more important we’re able to get the fans on board and start well. I believe in the team. We’ve got such a good set-up away from the pitch as well, so I’m excited to see what we’ve got this season.”

“Everyone knows I absolutely love Manchester City and the fans. There aren’t many more special moments than knowing they’ve got your back and for the women’s team it’s going to be totally new for everybody, we’ve got new faces.”

City have already added three new signings to their ranks with Iman Beney, Jade Rose and Sydney Lohmann all moving to Manchester this summer.

“If we can get behind them as much as possible that will drive us on.” Houghton conintued.

As well as the new signings, Vivianne Miedema and Khadija Shaw saw their numbers change to nine and ten respectively in an exciting change for the club.

Can City stars emulate Lionesses success

Of the Lionesses winning Euro 2025 team this summer there was four Manchester City stars within the ranks.

The Lionesses are just 3/1 with Betting sites to complete a Euros treble in 2029.

Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, Khiara Keating and Jess Park all won a medal in Switzerland and Houghton is hoping that the quartet can carry their form from the summer into the league campaign.

“It was [a] pretty crazy [summer], being there to watch the final and the girls do absolutely unbelievably as a squad.

“But also for the four girls from City, Alex, Khiara, Hempo and Jess we should be so proud of them. To go do that and win a trophy back to back is pretty special. It’s been a busy summer but the best one.”

City are sure to be one of the favourites for the WSL this year but they will face some stiff competition in the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea at the top of the table.