Lionesses star Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football. The Chelsea captain withdrew from selection for the European Championship earlier this year, citing mental and physical fatigue, and has now followed that up by calling time on her England career, having had the summer to "reflect" while Sarina Wiegman's side clinched another continental crown.
Millie Bright announces England retirement
Bright revealed her decision on Monday, speaking on her podcast alongside former England striker Rachel Daly, who announced her own shock international retirement in April 2024. The Chelsea defender made her debut for her country back in 2016 and has since won 88 caps, helping the Lionesses to win Euro 2022 before captaining the team to the 2023 Women's World Cup final.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhy Bright has called time on her Lionesses career
"I think you know me more than anyone, how long I've probably been weighing this up," Bright said on Monday, explaining her decision. "No one can make the decision for you and it sounds cliché, but it really is a feeling. Having the summer to reflect and get my head straight, fix my knee, it kind of really put things into perspective. I'm incredibly proud and honoured to have played for England for so long.
"People will probably ask why and it's for myself. It's a decision I've made. You know when it's time to pass the baton on. What the girls achieved in the summer was incredible and I think it's so exciting seeing the younger generation come through. I'll still be the biggest supporter. I want the Lionesses to go on and be successful and I'm waiting for you to bring home that World Cup.
"I just also want to say a massive thank you to all the fans for all your love and support. A massive thank you to all my team-mates, you are incredible. I love you all, past and present, you've all played a part in my journey. To Sarina and the coaching staff, I just want to say thank you for keeping trust in me, giving me the opportunities, giving me my 88 caps. I'm extremely proud of every single one of them. I wish you all the best and I’ll be your number one fan from the sidelines."
Upon the announcement of the decision, Wiegman said of Bright: "Millie will forever be an England legend for what she has given to her country, and I could never have enough words to praise her impact during my time. Whether she had the armband or not, she is a true leader. I know how much respect there is for Millie within the game, not just because she has won so many trophies but because of the way she conducts herself. She has made such a big contribution to English football both on and off the pitch and we all have a lot to thank her for. Even though her playing time with the Lionesses may be over, I know she has so much more to give the game."
England's deepest position? Centre-back options cushion blow for Lionesses
The silver lining for England is that centre-back is one of their best-stocked positions. Though Leah Williamson is currently sidelined with an injury, the Lionesses can count on the likes of Alex Greenwood, Jess Carter, Esme Morgan, Maya Le Tissier and Lotte Wubben-Moy in that area of the park, with some other exciting young talent already coming through, such as Arsenal teenager Katie Reid.
That said, Bright's experience will be a big miss, with the likes of Morgan, Le Tissier and Wubben-Moy not yet at 20 caps. Wiegman will hope to give out opportunities to those players in the friendlies against Brazil and Australia later this month, especially with Bright and Williamson both not to be in her squad.
Getty ImagesEngland's loss is Chelsea's gain: Blues set to benefit from Bright's full focus
Chelsea, meanwhile, will now benefit from getting the full focus of their captain as they aim to continue their domestic dominance and finally get their hands on that elusive Women's Champions League trophy. Bright cited her club career as another reason for this announcement, saying: "It's a decision I have taken to ensure I can commit fully to my club football and give Chelsea everything they need from me." The defender was superb for her club last term and they will hope there is more where that came from in light of this news.