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Neville: No blame for 'phenomenal' Houghton despite penalty miss against USWNT

England women manager Phil Neville rallied behind captain Steph Houghton after she saw her penalty saved in the Lionesses’ devastating Women’s World Cup semi-final exit to the USA.

Houghton stepped up after a VAR review adjudged Ellen White to have been fouled by Becky Sauerbrunn, but saw a scuffed effort easily saved by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

But England had relied on the 31-year-old's leadership and inspirational defending throughout the tournament – and Neville had nothing but praise for her.

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"I couldn't ask for more,” he told BBC Sport.