It will feel like the start of a new era when she hands over the England captaincy for the European Championship, as she has done in the last three major tournaments.
Winning silverware at international level is one of the things that Houghton has achieved.
She has captained her country for eight years, won over 100 caps, been awarded an MBE by the Queen, and was one of the first female players to be given a central contract by the Football Association.
A new manager is in place and England are embarking on a new era.
What legacy has Houghton left and who will follow in her footsteps?
In 2002 she broke into the first team as a goal scorer.
She played in the middle before becoming a defender.
She earned her senior debut in 2007, after progressing through England's youth teams.
She missed the World Cup with serious injuries but has played in every major tournament since.
By the time Mark Sampson made her England captain in 2015, she had consolidated herself in the team having impressed at the London 2012 Olympic Games for Great Britain in a left-back role.
She picked up a bronze medal at the World Cup.
Her influence on the growth of women's football is one of the reasons her career has gone upwards.
She has been tested as a leader.
Her first test as captain was taking over from a person who was respected within the game.
She showed she could handle the media spotlight and live up to expectations.
She was very hard working and ambitious and had a great honesty.
The media spotlight grew as England were knocked out in the semi-finals of the World Cup and the Euros, while Manchester City invested in their women's team.
The pressure is on going into the World Cup because of the SheBelieves Cup victory and rivalry with the United States.
It came during a difficult time in her life as she supported her husband in his battle with motor neurone disease.
When England and the US met in the semi-finals, it was obvious that Houghton would play a key role.
England won a late penalty in the 84th minute to get back in the game. England were knocked out of the tournament after Houghton stepped up to take it.
She was pulled to her feet by her teammates at the end of the game and immediately fronted the media, holding back tears as she apologized for her penalty miss.
There are not enough words to describe the love and respect Ellen White has for her.
What has she done for the England team? She said that she is an absolute legend of the game.
I feel very privileged that I was able to have had so many amazing memories with her, and hopefully there is more to come. She is an incredible person and a player.
In recent years, she has used her experience to support England's young talent, offering advice to City team-mates Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly in particular, and often diversioning attention when asked about them in the media.
She has still been an influence this season despite being injured, travelling to City's games on crutches, giving team talks on the pitch, and being a calming influence in the dressing room.
She is one of the players who would sacrifice her own personal gain to help others. She has helped me and the staff and is a real shining light for us as a leader at the club.
Houghton's leadership was summed up last week when she congratulated Williamson taking over the captaincy for the Euros with this statement on social media.
How might his leadership differ?
Stephan has led the team to this point. The legacy she has left is difficult to follow.
I hope I live up to that level and do the badges proud.
The defender, who has 27 caps for England, has become a key member of the team and has impressed with her front-footed style.
She has an aura of composure on the pitch which reflects her cool personality.
Leah has done a great job. She is a good player and a good person. I made her captain because of that.
Goalkeeper Mary Earps said that she was laid back but that she showed her passion when she played.
She has been absolutely amazing and it is fully deserved with the way she carries herself on and off the pitch.
We have the same mindset on the field. We work off each other well and I might be a little louder than her. I hope to bring some success with that relationship.
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