England defender Millie Bright announces retirement from international football
England defender Millie Bright has announced she is retiring from international football.
Bright won 88 caps during her England career, won the European Championship on home soil in 2022 and led the team as captain to the World Cup final the next year.
The 32-year-old shared the news on her podcast “Daly Brightness,” which she co-hosts alongside former England teammate Rachel Daly.
Bright withdrew herself from selection ahead of this summer’s Euros, saying she was “not able to give 100% mentally or physically”. She revealed a day later that she had undergone minor knee surgery.
“It sounds cliche, but it really is a feeling and when you’re at peace with that decision… having the summer to reflect, get my head straight, fix my knee, really put things into perspective,” she said.
“As you get older your priorities change. Where I’m at now in life I’ve been craving family time, time with friends, time for myself.
“Something I’ve valued over the summer is having that time to fix me a little bit.
“But yeah, it’s time. It’s the right time for me to call it a day with England.
“Physically, I’m at that crossroads – can I be 50 per cent for each, for England and for Chelsea? I want to be all in.”
Bright debuted for England in 2016 and participated in four major tournaments.
She played a vital role in the Lionesses‘ Euro 2022 victory, starting every match and helping the team secure four clean sheets on their way to winning their first major title.
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Bright then captained the team at the 2023 World Cup, where England narrowly lost to Spain in the final.
The news of her retirement came a day before coach Sarina Wiegman revealed the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Australia later in October.
Wiegman praised Bright’s contributions, saying: “Millie will forever be an England legend.
“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.”
England announced that they will honour Bright’s international career at an upcoming home match.
