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England back center Millie BrightWho won Euro 2022 before leading Lioness Has announced his international retirement at the age of 32, for the 2023 World Cup finals as captain.
Chelsea captain misses England win at Euro 2025 Due to mental and physical fatigueBut she has returned to action for her club this season after minor knee surgery in the summer.
After gaining 88 England caps in a nine-year international career, Bright announced her retirement on her podcast, which she co-hosts with former England teammate. Rachel gave,
England head coach Serena Wigman paid tribute to Bright’s international career, calling her an “England legend” and a “true leader”.
“The reality of wearing the Three Lions over the last decade has surpassed even my wildest dreams,” Bright said. “It has been very special to me and I want it to last forever.
“However, all good things in football must come to an end and with this I have decided to retire from international football.
“For me personally, this is a decision I have taken to ensure that I can fully commit to my club football and give Chelsea everything they need from me.
“I always want to leave an environment and team in a better place than I found it, so what better time than now to step aside and allow the next generation of Lionesses to build on what they have achieved this summer.
“I know they will achieve even greater things in the years to come and I will be their biggest fan.
“Thank you to all of my teammates, coaches, staff, friends, family and of course the fans. Your trust and support means a lot to me and it’s something I will always cherish.”
Having represented Great Britain at Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup as well as the Lionesses at the Olympic Games in 2021, Bright formed a defensive partnership with Leah Williamson after Wiegman took charge of the England squad.
He started every game as England won their first major honor at Wembley since 1966, with the Lions beating Germany in the final, before taking over the armband when Williamson was ruled out of the 2023 World Cup through injury.
Bright’s presence in defense and off-field leadership was vital as the Lionesses reached the final in Sydney, where they lost 1–0 to Spain. After the tournament, Bright was awarded an OBE for services to football.
After a club season in which Bright led Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble, the centre-back decided she was not “mentally or physically 100 per cent” to represent the Lionesses at Euro 2025 and withdrew herself from selection.
“Millie will always be an England legend for what she has given to her country and I will never have enough words to praise the impact she has had during her time here,” Wiegman said in a statement released by the FA.
“Regardless of whether she has an armband or not, she’s a true leader. I know how much respect there is for Millie within the game – not just because she’s won so many trophies, but because of the way she conducts herself.
“She has made such a huge contribution to English football both on and off the field and we should all be very thankful for that. Even though her playing time with the Lionesses is over, I know she has so much more to offer the game.”
Bright has started all seven of Chelsea’s games this season as captain and stated that he was at a “crossroads” physically and decided to prioritize the remainder of his club career with the Blues.
“People will probably ask why, and one, it is for me,” Bright said on his podcast, Daily Brightness“It’s a decision I’ve taken – one I’m happy with.
“I looked back over the summer and there wasn’t a single part of me that thought I’d made the wrong decision. It felt right. Physically, I’m at that crossroads – can I be 50 per cent each for England and Chelsea? I want to be involved.
“To give myself the best chance to do that and be the best for my club, I probably need to rein it in a bit. I’m really proud of my England career and I want to thank everyone so much for your support – especially over the summer. It’s never an easy decision, but it feels right.
“I want my legacy to be about being a winner – a difference maker. Not just someone who was there, but someone who grabbed every opportunity with both hands and wanted to make a difference.
“I also want to be remembered for what I did on the field – someone who would do anything for anyone, who was reliable and who gave her all, heart and soul, in every game. But ultimately, I want to be remembered as a true Lioness who represented her country in the right way.”
Wigman will announce her latest England squad on Tuesday ahead of this month’s friendlies against Brazil and Australia.