Millie Bright’s decision to withdraw from selection for the European Championship this summer, citing mental health reasons, stands as one of the most courageous acts by an England player in recent memory. For a player who captained England in the 2023 World Cup final, stepping back at such a crucial moment underscores the immense pressures facing elite athletes today and highlights a critical issue within the women’s game: Are players being supported enough, both physically and mentally?
Playing for your country at a major tournament is the ultimate dream for any footballer. For Bright, the choice to withdraw was not made lightly. She openly admitted she could not give 100 percent, feeling that fans deserved more than she could currently offer. This level of self-awareness is both admirable and sobering, as it sheds light on the physical and mental toll of a demanding schedule that blends club and international commitments.
Bright’s withdrawal serves as a wake-up call to the wider sport. After a season where she helped Chelsea secure a domestic treble, her fatigue signals potential problems with player workload and wellbeing. It raises questions about whether there are too many international windows, whether clubs and national teams are rotating their players sufficiently, and whether enough is being done to provide mental health support. Elite players are not machines, and the risk of burnout is real. It also suggests that the structures around women’s football may still be evolving and need to better protect the athletes who carry the game forward.
Beyond this, Bright’s decision should offer reassurance to other athletes struggling mentally. It’s a reminder that prioritizing health over competition is valid and that more players should feel empowered to take similar steps without stigma or fear of criticism. In an ideal sporting world, health and wellbeing would be front and center, with organizations proactively supporting players through the challenges of elite performance.
For England, the absence of Bright is a significant blow ahead of Euro 2025, compounding the impact of recent retirements by two other key players: goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby. Together, these three players account for 218 senior caps and represent a wealth of experience and leadership that will be difficult to replace. Their departures mark a moment of transition for the team, providing opportunities for younger players to step up but also raising concerns about losing seasoned campaigners on the cusp of a major tournament.
While these decisions come from individual circumstances, they collectively raise questions about how the national setup manages player welfare and career longevity. Earps’s retirement appears to have been contemplated for some time, while Kirby had planned to retire after Euro 2025 but accelerated her decision following candid discussions with the coaching staff about her squad status. Bright’s candid admission of reaching her limits mentally and physically highlights the cumulative toll taken by years of competing at the highest level without adequate rest or recovery.
There are also tactical and management questions for coach Sarina Wiegman. Her approach of having honest conversations about squad selection is commendable and fosters transparency. However, some might question whether decisions about key players, particularly Kirby’s omission and Earps’s role as goalkeeper, were made too early. Could delaying these calls have mitigated some of the fallout or helped prolong these players’ international careers? These are difficult judgments, especially with media scrutiny intense in the run-up to a major tournament.
Looking at the broader picture, English women’s football should reflect on how to support players better to sustain their careers for longer. By comparison, American stars like Megan Rapinoe, Carli Lloyd, and Becky Sauerbrunn played well into their late 30s. The fact that England’s core players are stepping away in their early 30s raises concerns about whether schedules, recovery, mental health resources, and the overall environment are optimized for longevity.
England’s recent departures suggest a need for a comprehensive review of how players are managed. This should cover workload planning, mental wellbeing, nutrition, and holistic support systems. Ensuring that England’s legends of today don’t have to retire prematurely would benefit the team, the sport, and its fans. The goal should be not only to win trophies but to create a sustainable environment where players can thrive at the highest level for many years.
