England defender Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football.
The 32-year-old, who was part of England’s European Championship-winning team in 2022, made her senior debut in September 2016 and went on to win 88 caps.
“I’ve been weighing this up for a long time,” Chelsea captain Bright said on Monday’s ‘The Rest is Football: Daly Brightness’ podcast.
“It’s one of those decisions no-one can make for you. It’s a feeling and I’m at peace with it.”
Bright missed out as England defended their Euros title in Switzerland in July after ruling herself out of the tournament because she would be unable to “give 100% mentally or physically”.
Over the summer she had successful knee surgery and started counselling sessions, while she said the decision to withdraw from Sarina Wiegman’s squad was “by far the best decision I have ever made”.
“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,” Bright said.
Bright started every game as England won their first major women’s trophy at Euro 2022, and captained them to the World Cup final a year later, which they lost to Spain.
“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,” Bright said on the podcast, which she co-hosts with her friend and former England team-mate Rachel Daly.
“But yeah, it’s time. It’s the right time for me to call it a day with England.”
Bright’s final game for the Lionesses was a 3-2 defeat by Belgium in April.
England manager 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.”
Wiegman is likely to be asked further questions about Bright’s retirement on Tuesday after she names her first England squad since the Lionesses retained their title.
‘A true leader’ – Bright’s England career
Bright (left, with Leah Williamson) scored six goals for England
In her 88 caps for England, Bright has showed her qualities as a “no‑nonsense” defender who was – and still is for Chelsea – powerful, and dominant in the air.
She first tasted major-tournament football 10 months after her debut at Euro 2017, where she was the only England player to start every match as they reached the semi-finals, falling to eventual winners the Netherlands.
Two years later, she was once again ever-present in England’s backline as they reached the last four of the 2019 World Cup, but Bright’s tournament was to end in heartbreak as she was sent off in the Lionesses’ defeat by the United States.
She was named vice-captain to Leah Williamson for Euro 2022 on home soil, and it was only natural she took the captaincy when Williamson was ruled out of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand through injury the following year.
Bright played all seven games as England reached the final, where they lost to Spain – in what would be Bright’s last appearance at a major tournament.
Wiegman added: “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.”
