England’s Euro 2025 preparations have been rocked after defensive stalwart Millie Bright pulled out of the squad, saying she can’t give “100% mentally or physically” following a draining season.
The 31-year-old Chelsea captain, who led her club to a sensational domestic treble, confirmed on Wednesday that she won’t be part of the Lionesses side heading to Switzerland this summer. Her absence comes as yet another blow to England boss Sarina Wiegman, following the recent retirements of goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby. All three were key figures in England’s 2022 Euros triumph and the run to the 2023 World Cup final.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Bright wrote in an emotional post to fans.
“My pride and ego tell me to go, but I think the team and the fans deserve more.”
Bright’s honesty has struck a chord with fans, many of whom have praised her decision to prioritise her well-being over national duty. But for England, her withdrawal raises serious concerns ahead of a major tournament in which they were expected to challenge for the title.
Having earned 88 caps for her country and captained the Lionesses on multiple occasions, Bright’s leadership and experience will be sorely missed. She played a key role during England’s Euros win at Wembley in 2022 and was at the heart of the defence in the narrow World Cup final loss to Spain last year.
She had already stepped away from this month’s Nations League fixtures, with the FA saying she was taking “an extended period of recovery.” But confirmation that she won’t return for the Euros will still come as a shock to many.
“As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my teammates,” she said, “stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game, and most importantly the team.”
Bright pointed out that it wouldn’t be fair to take the place of another player who is physically and mentally ready to give everything for the shirt.
Her 2024–25 season with Chelsea has been intense. The Blues played across all fronts, lifting the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup. Bright featured 36 times across those competitions, consistently playing through fatigue and injury niggles.
Manager Sarina Wiegman now faces a real test. With three seasoned internationals gone in just a matter of days, her 23-player squad—due to be named on Thursday—may end up with a very different look to the one she’d imagined just weeks ago.
The Lionesses’ final outing before the Euros, a 2-1 loss to Spain on Tuesday night, offered little reassurance. Against the reigning world champions, England looked flat and struggled to match their opponents’ intensity. The absence of leadership on the pitch was glaring—something that would have been unthinkable a year ago with Bright and Earps barking orders from the back.
Now, replacements will need to step up quickly. Younger players such as Jess Carter and Maya Le Tissier could find themselves propelled into the starting XI. The challenge for Wiegman will be balancing raw talent with tournament readiness in a squad that suddenly lacks many of its most experienced voices.
Supporters, though disappointed, have largely backed Bright’s call. Social media was flooded with messages of understanding and support. Some called it a brave move, others said it highlighted the unrelenting demands placed on top-level athletes.
The Euros, which run from 2nd to 27th July in Switzerland, were meant to be the next chapter in a golden era for English women’s football. With the team still riding the high of their 2022 success, expectations were sky-high. But now, with key names missing, the path to glory looks less certain.
Bright’s decision isn’t just a personal turning point—it could mark the end of an era for England. But it also opens the door for new leaders to emerge and for younger players to write their own chapter.
The Lionesses will need to regroup quickly. Tournament football waits for no one. And come July, it’ll be down to those still standing to carry the flag—and the hopes of a nation—forward.
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