Former England captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international duty at the age of 32.
Bright missed the Lionesses’ triumph at Euro 2025 after making herself unavailable for selection due to mental and physical burnout.
The Chelsea captain has returned to action at club level this season, playing every minute of the first seven games of the campaign for Sonia Bompastor’s side.
However, the centre-back has now announced she will not be making a return to the national team set-up, as she announced her retirement on her podcast with former England team-mate Rachel Daly.
Bright made her England debut against Belgium in September 2016 and went on to win 82 caps for the national side.
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She formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Arsenal’s Leah Williamson, starting every game as England won the European Champions in 2022 at Wembley.
Bright then stepped up to captain the team when Williamson was injured for the World Cup the following year, leading the Lionesses all the way to the final, which they eventually lost to Spain.
‘I’ve been weighing this up for a long time. It’s one of those decisions no one can make for you. It’s a feeling and I’m at peace with it,’ she said on The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness.
‘Having the summer to reflect, fix my knee, and get my head straight really put things into perspective. As you get older, your priorities change. I’ve been craving family time, time with friends, and time for myself.
‘I’ve always played through every injury I’ve ever had, but I got to a stage where I needed to make smart decisions and look after my physical and mental health. But listen, I am retiring from international football.
‘I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have played for England for so long. Every single cap has been special and the memories I’ve made, especially with this one sat opposite me, have been some of the best of my life. But yeah, it’s time. It’s the right time for me to call it a day with England.’
Explaining her decision further, Bright said: ‘It felt right. Physically, I’m at that crossroads – can I be 50% for each, for England and for Chelsea? I want to be all in.
Millie Bright England stats
Appeareances: 88
Goals: 6
Debut: England vs Belgium (September 22, 2016)
Last match: England vs Belgium (April 8, 2025)
Honours: Women’s World Cup runner-up (2023), Women’s European Championship winner (2022), Arnold Clark Cup winner (2022, 2023)
‘To give myself the best chance of doing that and be the best for my club, I probably need to rein it in a little bit.
‘I’m really proud of my England career and just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for your support – especially over the summer. It’s never an easy decision, but it feels like the right one.’
England manager Sarina Wiegman said: ‘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.’
The FA said it has plans to honour Bright’s contribution to England ahead of a future Lionesses international.
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