Millie Bright withdraws from England selection for Euro 2025
Millie Bright has withdrawn from selection for England ahead of Euro 2025.
Chelsea captain Bright, 31, has been a mainstay of the national team under Sarina Wiegman, making 88 international appearances including starting every match of the Euro 2022 success and captaining the side during their run to the 2023 World Cup final.
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The centre-back stood herself down last month from the England squad for the June Nations League fixtures, citing she was 'at her limits physically and mentally', and has now confirmed she will miss this summer's European Championship.
Bright described her choice as 'one of the hardest decisions' she has made during her career.
'Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour,' Bright posted in a statement shared on her social media.
'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 per cent mentally or physically.'
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Bright added: '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.'
England head coach Wiegman appointed Bright captain for the 2023 World Cup after Leah Williamson was ruled out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Bright made 21 appearances for Sonia Bompastor's side as they secured a treble and an undefeated domestic season, extending their record streak of Women's Super League (WSL) titles to six.
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England will be without goalkeeper Mary Earps for their title defence after the 32-year-old announced five weeks ahead of the tournament her international retirement. reported that Wiegman had informed Earps she would not be No. 1, with Hannah Hampton assuming the role for much of the side's qualifying campaign.
On Tuesday, Fran Kirby announced her own international retirement after 77 caps for her country.
What now for England?
Bright has been a regular throughout England's two runs to finals under Wiegman, and provided the side with traditional defensive qualities.
Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood are more technical defenders, and seemed to enjoy playing alongside the sturdy, aerially dominant Bright. She also proved a useful Plan B in the opposition penalty box.
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Bright was less guaranteed of a starting position this time around, but her absence means England are without her, Mary Earps, Rachel Daly and Fran Kirby, four players from the Euro 2022 starting XI still performing at a good level for their clubs.
Williamson and Greenwood seem set to form England's centre-back pairing, while Jess Carter can deputise in a range of defensive positions. Esme Morgan is a reliable back-up, while Maya Le Tissier — often used at right-back for England but a centre-back for Manchester United — will probably come into the squad.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Chelsea, England, International Football, UK Women's Football, Women's Euros
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