Steph Houghton: England captain sure she will be fit for World Cup

England captain Steph Houghton is "100% sure" she will be fit for the World Cup in Canada which starts on 6 June.

The Manchester City defender injured her knee at the Cyprus Cup in March and was ruled out for up to 10 weeks.

She has faced a tight race to be fit in time with England manager Mark Sampson naming his 23-player squad on 11 May.

"It's really bad timing but I know that when these things happen, you've just got to be more positive than you ever can be," Houghton, 26, told BBC Sport.

"I'm joining back in training in the next few weeks but it's important that we just take it day by day."

Houghton, yet to play any football this season, took part in City's pre-match warm-up before Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Arsenal in Women's Super League 1.

"It's frustrating when you get an injury and the first two weeks were a little bit slow letting it heal but it's all about getting stronger and as fit as I can whilst being injured," said Houghton, who did not require surgery on the injury.

"I'm in good hands and I've been progressing really well. I'm looking forward to getting on the ball in the next few weeks."

An England debutant in 2007, injuries prevented Houghton from appearing in that year's World Cup and Euro 2009. However, she featured at the 2011 World Cup and a disappointing Euro 2013 campaign.

She said the prospect of missing another major tournament had weighed on her mind.

"It's worrying but it's just one of those things, it's football," said Houghton, who was named England captain last April and has 53 caps.

"I'm just looking forward to playing football soon."