England defender Millie Bright is the latest big name to rule themselves out of selection for Euro 2025, saying it was “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make”.
The Chelsea star said representing her country has been “my greatest honour” but currently she was “not able to give 100% mentally or physically”.
In the last few days, goalkeeper Mary Earps and midfielder Fran Kirby, who alongside Bright brought home glory by winning Euro 2022, have announced their retirements from international football.
It comes just a day before England manager Sarina Wiegman is set to name her 23-player Lionesses squad for the European Championships in Switzerland, which starts in the first week of July.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Bright said: “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but after careful thought and discussions with my team, I have decided to withdraw from selection for the England squad ahead of Euro 2025.
“Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour. My pride and ego tells me to go but I think the team and the fans deserve more. Right now, I’m not able to give 100 per cent mentally or physically.”
The departure of Bright, Earps and Kirby from the team is a loss of three experienced players – between them they have 218 international appearances.
Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps announces shock England retirement weeks before Euros
England to face Wales, France and Netherlands in Women’s Euro 2025 group stage
England footballer says 99.9% of female players couldn’t retire on their salaries
England midfielder Fran Kirby announced her retirement from international football on Tuesday. Earps announced she was quitting international football with immediate effect last Tuesday 27 May.
Read more:
Lioness: 99.9% of female players couldn’t retire on salaries
Lionesses qualify for Euro 2025 after drawing with Sweden
Follow our channel and never miss an update
On Tuesday, England missed out on a place in the Women’s Nations League finals after Spain beat them 2-1 in Barcelona to go through instead.
Wiegman has paid tribute to Earps and Kirby but is yet to comment on the departure of Bright from the squad.
When asked about how Kirby’s retirement would affect the team, the England boss said she’s got more important things to think about.
Current and former England team-mates of Bright offered support, including England and Arsenal forward Chloe Kelly, who wrote “proud of you always” in a post of her social media pages, while Aston Villa striker Rachel Daly – who retired from international duty last summer – said: “Couldn’t be more proud. With you through EVERYTHING my girl.”
A message from the official Lionesses account read: “We’re all with you, Millie.”
Wiegman had previously expressed support for Bright’s decision to rule herself out of Nations League clashes.
The Lionesses’ opening match of Euro 2025 will be against France on 5 July.
