Millie Bright hails ‘proper determination' as England reach Euros final

Rhyl Journal

23-07-2025

England booked their spot in Sunday's showpiece with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Italy on Tuesday thanks to a late equaliser from Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly's extra-time winner.
Bright was a key cog in the England team when they triumphed on home soil at Euro 2022, but the Chelsea defender made herself unavailable for this year's competition, stating she was 'not able to give 100 per cent mentally or physically'.
One day later, it was confirmed Bright had undergone minor knee surgery and has taken to supporting her team-mates from home.
She said: 'It's a completely different place for me to be viewing from home, supporting. I think as a player you never get to experience watching the game as a fan because you're always in it.
'It's been really nice to see the next generation coming through and I think also seeing the team prove a lot of people wrong.
'Regardless of whether you're there or not there, you're still a Lioness, still an England player and I'm really proud to be English. I always want my team to do well.
'I'm super proud of them. I've really enjoyed that fight, that grit, that proper English determination to come from behind, lose games, bounce back, deal with all the obstacles the girls have dealt with. I'm really proud.'
England got off to a disappointing start after opening their title defence with a 2-1 defeat to France, but bounced back with wins against the Netherlands and neighbours Wales.
Togetherness in abundance.
This team is special 🌟 pic.twitter.com/5vsNKdgNF9
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 22, 2025
A pulsating quarter-final clash against Sweden followed when England came back from two goals down to level it at 2-2 with two goals in two minutes from Lucy Bronze and Agyemang.
The contest was settled on penalties, where an extraordinary shootout saw both sides miss spot kicks before England eventually sneaked through thanks to Bronze's winning kick.
Drama followed against Italy on Tuesday night as 19-year-old substitute Agyemang levelled in stoppage time after Barbara Bonansea's opener and Kelly then smashed home the rebound from her initial penalty in the 119th minute.
England's attention now turns to Sunday's final in Basel.
Bright said: 'The win last night, I'd love us to stop going to extra time, it gives me too much stress and anxiety!
'But I'm so proud of the girls, I think it's unbelievable. There was a lot of chat about having an inexperienced group and having more youngsters than senior players, but the kids have come true.
'I think we've been the best team at the tournament in terms of everyone playing their role, subs coming in and making the difference.
'We're back in another final and rooting for the girls all the way. It's time to bring it home again.'
Lionesses legend Millie Bright, OBE teams up with TikTok on the #SummerSkills campaign, designed to support parents and inspire teens during the holidays