Chelsea captain Millie Bright has withdrawn from selection for England’s Euro 2025 campaign this summer.
The 31-year-old, who won the domestic treble with Chelsea this season, was expected to be named in Sarina Wiegman’s squad for the upcoming tournament in Switzerland.
Bright was not part of England’s squad for their recent Nations League games against Portugal and Spain as she was granted an ‘extended period of recovery’.
With 88 England caps, Bright is one of the most experienced members of the Lionesses squad and was a key part of the squad that won the Euros in 2022, as well as the one which reached the World Cup final in 2023.
However, Bright says she is ‘not able to give 100 per cent mentally or physically’ at Euro 2025 and will not be part of England’s squad.
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‘This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after careful thought and discussions with my team, I have decided to withdraw from selection for the England squad ahead of Euro 2025,’ Bright said in a statement on Wednesday.
‘Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour.
‘My pride and ego tells me to go but I think the team and the fans deserve more. Right now I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.
‘As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly the team.
‘It wouldn’t be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and country.
‘I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got, and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud. Thank you to my teammates, coaches, and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me.’
The Lionesses will also be without goalkeeper Mary Earps, who announced her shock retirement from international last week.
Meanwhile, Fran Kirby also announced her retirement from England on Wednesday night and confirmed she was told by Wiegman that she would not make the squad for Euro 2025.
England kick off their Euro 2025 campaign against France on July 5. The Lionesses will then play the Netherlands on July 9 before their final game in Group D against Wales on July 13.
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