Millie Bright: England star rules herself out of selection for upcoming Euro 2025 title defence - ‘I’m not able to give 100%’
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Published 04/06/2025 at 12:52 GMT+1
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England defender Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for Euro 2025 selection after saying she is "not able to give 100% mentally or physically". The Chelsea centre-back joins Fran Kirby and Mary Earps in bowing out of the tournament a month before it starts in Switzerland. England's title defence begins against France on July 5, before the Lionesses face the Netherlands and Wales.
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Millie Bright has withdrawn from selection for England at Euro 2025, saying she is "not able to give 100% mentally or physically".
The Chelsea centre-back made the announcement on social media days after Lionesses team-mates Fran Kirby and Mary Earps retired from international football ahead of the tournament starting in July.
"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," Bright said on social media.
"Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour. My pride and ego tell me to go, but I think the team and the fans deserve more. Right now, I’m not able to give 100% mentally or physically.
"As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly, the team.
"It wouldn’t be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and the country.
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"I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got, and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud.
"Thank you to my team-mates, coaches, and, most important, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me."
Bright, 31, has been a key part of the England set-up since making her debut in 2016.
The Chelsea stalwart has amassed 88 caps, winning Euro 2022 and finishing as runner-up at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
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She has been a key part of the Blues side that has dominated English football in recent years, winning seven Women's Super League titles in eight years between 2017/18 and 2024/25.
Bright's decision came after she withdrew from the Nations League matches in June.
England manager Sarina Wiegman is now without three of her highest-profile players for the Euros after losing Bright, Earps and Kirby in the space of a week.
The announcement comes the day after England were knocked out of the Nations League by world champions Spain with a 2-1 defeat.
Attention now turns to Euro 2025 in Switzerland, which kicks off on July 2.
England have a final warm-up game against Jamaica scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at the King Power Stadium.
They then face France in their Group D opener on Saturday, July 5, before taking on the Netherlands and Wales.
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