England vice-captain Millie Bright has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the England squad for Euro 2025, citing concerns over her health and future. The announcement comes as a significant blow to manager Sarina Wiegman ahead of the tournament in Switzerland, where the Lionesses will be defending the title they won three years ago.
Bright shared the news on social media, explaining that the choice was one of the hardest she has ever faced. After careful consideration and discussions with her support team, she decided to step back from international duty, feeling she cannot give her best physically or mentally at this time. She expressed immense pride in representing her country and acknowledged how much football has given her, but also recognized that the team and fans deserve players who can fully commit to the challenge ahead.
The 31-year-old centre-back had previously withdrawn from England’s recent Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain to allow herself extra recovery time, highlighting the importance of managing both her mental and physical health. Bright’s decision is motivated by a desire to protect her wellbeing and to ensure she does not take the opportunity from another player who is ready to give everything for the national team.
Bright has been a key figure for England, earning 88 caps and scoring six goals. She notably captained the Lionesses at the 2023 World Cup when Leah Williamson was sidelined by injury. On the club front, she led Chelsea to a domestic treble this season, showcasing her leadership and skill at the highest level.
This announcement follows a series of high-profile withdrawals from the England women’s team. Fran Kirby recently revealed her retirement from international football after being left out of the Euro 2025 squad, while goalkeeper Mary Earps also made the surprise decision to end her England career last week. All three players started every match during England’s victorious Euro 2022 campaign, marking a significant shift in the squad composition ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Despite these setbacks, England begin their Euro 2025 campaign with optimism. The team’s first match is against France on 5 July, and Wiegman has expressed hope that forward Lauren James will be fit in time to join the squad. Wiegman is set to announce the full squad imminently, and will need to adjust her plans in light of these departures.
Bright’s message to fans and teammates was one of gratitude and support. Though she will not be on the pitch with the team, she pledged to back them wholeheartedly from the sidelines and hopes they will make the nation proud. Her decision reflects a mature and considered approach, prioritizing long-term health and acknowledging the demands of international football at the highest level.
The news also underscores the physical and mental pressures faced by elite athletes, particularly in women’s football, where the sport’s growth has increased expectations and the intensity of competition. Bright’s withdrawal serves as a reminder of the importance of self-care and the difficult choices players sometimes must make in balancing their personal wellbeing with their professional ambitions.
As England prepares to defend their European crown, the team will need to rally and adapt, welcoming new talent to fill the void left by Bright, Kirby, and Earps. The tournament will be a test not only of skill but of depth and resilience as the Lionesses seek to continue their recent success on the international stage.
