England defender Millie Bright has officially ruled herself out of the upcoming UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland, citing physical and mental exhaustion. The 31-year-old, a cornerstone of the Lionesses’ backline for nearly a decade, says she cannot give her full self to the game this summer and is stepping back for the good of the team.
A Difficult Decision
Bright, who has earned 88 caps for England since her debut in 2016, shared an emotional statement on Instagram:
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour… But right now, I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.”
Bright added that it wouldn’t be “fair to take the place” of a teammate who could fully commit to the tournament, a sentiment that has drawn widespread support from fellow players and fans.
Burnout and Recovery
The Chelsea captain recently pulled out of England’s Nations League squad, with the Football Association citing “an extended period of recovery.” Bright later admitted she was suffering from burnout after a demanding season where she led Chelsea to a domestic treble, including titles in the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup — all while pushing through injury.
Her absence is a significant blow to head coach Sarina Wiegman’s Euro preparations. Bright not only brings experience and leadership but also captained England during their run to the 2023 World Cup final.
An Outpouring of Support
Messages of solidarity poured in from teammates past and present. Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly wrote, “Proud of you always,” while Rachel Daly added, “With you through everything, my girl.” The official Lionesses account also posted: “We’re all with you, Millie.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman acknowledged the toll of Bright’s intense schedule:
“She has to take care of herself. We will stay in contact and I hope she feels better soon.”
A Challenging Time for the Lionesses
Bright is now the third high-profile player to withdraw from the Euros following the recent retirements of goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby. Between them, the trio have accumulated 218 international caps and been central to England’s golden era, including their historic Euro 2022 victory.
Their absences leave Wiegman with a tough task ahead. She is expected to announce her final 23-player squad later this week, with England’s Euro campaign kicking off on 5 June.
Former Lioness Ellen White acknowledged the difficulty of losing such experience just before a major tournament:
“It’s a challenging period for the group… But Sarina has the ability to galvanize the team. Football moves on, and the focus now is on the Euros.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, England remains one of the tournament favourites. But the loss of a leader like Millie Bright is a reminder that even elite athletes face limits. As the Lionesses regroup, Bright’s decision stands as a courageous and selfless act—putting her health and team first.
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 will take place in Switzerland from 2 to 27 July.
Written By Joe Brens
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