The captain of Manchester City says she is extremely honoured to be named in England's preliminary squad for the Women's Euros and remains hopeful of making the final squad.
He hasn't played since January because of an injury.
She has until mid-June to prove her fitness after being selected in a squad of 28.
It has been a tough few months and there is still a lot of work to be done.
I am very honoured. I was fortunate to have the best people around me and the support of the England staff to help with my recovery.
I am looking forward to being a part of the camp and seeing where it takes us.
After eight years as England's captain, Houghton will be handing the reins over to a player.
The City star is yet to feature for England due to the injury but said they have a really strong relationship and have been in contact regularly throughout her recovery.
England and Manchester City have been talking about how I have been doing.
The relationship between me and Sarina is very strong. I can focus on getting back fit and doing what I need to do.
She is always on the phone. I have been fortunate that everyone is doing what is best for me to get back for the Euros.
The captain of the England side in the past three major tournaments, Houghton has 121 appearances for England. She hopes to make it to a sixth major tournament with England this summer, after being part of the Great Britain Olympic squad in 2012 and 2021.
I'm hopeful. She said that the injury she had could keep her out for four to six months and that the timing of the Euros would push her back.
I know I have done everything I can to give myself the best chance, no matter what happens.
In the absence of Houghton, England have enjoyed an impressive run.
They won the Arnold Clark Cup in February and have scored over sixty goals in their World Cup qualification.
I have to earn the right to be in the squad. The competition is high because we have a really talented squad.
I know that I need to show what I can do and that I can still bring value to the squad. I don't want to be disrespectful to my teammates. I have to fight my way in.
The girls have done well over the last couple of camps and I need to prove to Sarina that I can still play, still be a leader and still use my experience in a home Euros.
During her recovery from an injury, she spent time with her family and worked with City and England's doctors to get stronger.
It is hard for any footballer that is injured because they can not really contribute on the pitch or do what they love. I will not say that it has been easy because it has not.
There have been difficult times. I have to get myself right to play football again.
When the tournament starts on July 6th, Houghton hopes England can maintain their form.
The Lionesses have reached the semi-finals of the past three major tournaments, but hope to go one better in front of a home crowd this summer.
Winning the Arnold Clark Cup gave a huge confidence boost. The girls seem to be getting better with every game.
It is important that a lot of people get their rest now because it will be intense over the next eight weeks and there will be a lot of pressure. Hopefully we can show what we can do in a Euros and keep the England fans happy.
I really do think that it will be the biggest tournament in women's football history. You get really excited when you are a player and a fan.
We have sold so many tickets that people want to come and watch. I think the Euros can do more for this game than the Olympics did in 2012 because it is in our country.
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