Houghton’s career has gone upwards, alongside her reputation off the pitch and her influence on the growth of women’s football.
But she has been tested as a leader with the Lionesses.
Her first test was taking over from Casey Stoney – a strong personality, excellent defender and respected figure within the game – as captain.
“Steph had to be someone who could handle the responsibility,” former England manager Mark Sampson told BBC Sport in 2015. “She clearly showed she could handle the media spotlight, the pressure on her and live up to expectation.
“She epitomised the values the team wanted – very hard working, ambitious and she had a great honesty.”
The media spotlight grew as England were knocked out in the semi-finals of the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Euros, while Manchester City’s investment in their women’s team heightened expectations at club level.
Victory at the SheBelieves Cup under manager Phil Neville and a developing rivalry with the United States added to the pressure going into the 2019 World Cup.
For Houghton it came during a tough time personally as she began supporting her husband Stephen Darby in his battle with motor neurone disease.
So when England and the US met in the semi-finals – attracting the highest peak television audience of the year – it seemed inevitable that Houghton would play a key role.
That came in the 84th minute when England won a late penalty while trailing 2-1. Houghton stepped up to take it, realising her responsibility as captain, but it was saved and England were knocked out.