Millie Bright retires from England duties

• Last Update: October 13, 2025 06:30:40 pm BST • 2 min read

England defender Millie Bright has officially retired from international duty, bringing to an end a remarkable career that spanned nearly a decade with the Lionesses.

The 32-year-old Chelsea captain earned 88 caps for her country after making her senior debut in 2016 and was a central figure in England’s European Championship triumph in 2022.

Speaking on Monday’s The Rest is Football: Daly Brightness podcast, Bright explained that her decision came after a long period of reflection.

“I’ve been weighing this up for a long time,” she said. “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 this summer’s European Championship defence in Switzerland, having chosen to withdraw from Sarina Wiegman’s squad.

She later revealed the decision stemmed from not feeling able to “give 100% mentally or physically” following knee surgery earlier in the year.

The defender described stepping away as “by far the best decision I have ever made,” crediting the time away for helping her to regain clarity and balance.

“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.

A leader both on and off the pitch, Bright played every minute of England’s victorious Euro 2022 campaign and went on to captain the side to the World Cup final in 2023, where they were narrowly beaten by Spain.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: “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.”

Bright’s final appearance for her country came in April, in a 3-2 defeat to Belgium during the Nations League campaign.

Reacting to the announcement, England manager Sarina Wiegman paid tribute to the outgoing defender’s influence and legacy.

“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 said.