England’s vice-captain Millie Bright recently announced her withdrawal from selection for the Euro 2025 squad. The defender cited it as the ‘right decision for her health’, as well as ‘her future in the game’ and her teammates.
On the domestic stage with Chelsea, Bright led her team to another successful season. The Blues secured the domestic treble, so their captain was an obvious choice for England manager Sarina Wiegman.
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However, in a statement on social media, Bright opened up about the reality behind such a heavy season. Recognising that she is ‘not able to give 100 percent mentally or physically’ is a sign of her resilience and bravery. Representing England at a major tournament is something of dreams, but looking after your physical and mental health must take priority.
Well wishes are with Bright, hoping she makes a full recovery and feels ready to return to the footballing stage after the summer. But should her openness be sparking questions surrounding player schedules and recovery time within the women’s game?
Millie Bright releases her statement
The English defender has confirmed her absence from the Euros this summer. Withdrawing from the squad is one of ‘the hardest decisions’ the Bright has ever had to make. A decision that took courage and resilience.
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At the heart of her withdrawal, is not only protecting her own mental and physical wellbeing, but also he teammates. Giving up her spot on the plane, opens up the door for another player to feature in a major international tournament. In her words: “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 country.”
With a wealth of talent in English football, the centre-back wishes the Lionesses the best possible chance of maintaining their title as European champions.
In recent weeks, several international footballers, including Fran Kirby and Mary Earps, announced their retirement from the global stage. However, Bright seems to have no intention of hanging up her boots yet. Her withdrawal will give her body time to heal and recover sufficiently, protecting her ‘future in the game’. Featuring in the Euros could have limited the remainder of her career as a professional footballer.
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Having extended her contract with Chelsea for another season, Bright aims to be back stronger than ever after a summer of rest and recovery.
Reality of a heavy season
Since the start of the 2024/25 season, Bright has made 36 appearances for Chelsea. The Blues were heavily involved in all competitions for a long period of time, including the Women’s Super League, the Subway League Cup, the FA Cup, and the Champions League.
Alongside her matches in blue, Bright is also a regular in the England camp. Her defensive presence and leadership are the qualities Wiegman idolises in a player. The defender’s place in the squad never in doubt. At the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Bright stepped up as captain in the absence of Leah Williamson. Leading her team to a global final is one example of her prowess and importance in an England kit.
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Therefore, it took sheer courage to admit her burnout at the end of the season. In a recent episode of her ‘Daly Brightness‘ podcast, shared with former international teammate Rachel Daly, Bright opened up about the repercussions of such a heavy season. Her honesty during the podcast about her exhaustion and need to take a break is highly commendable.
“Sometimes you just need to breathe, take a step back, value your mental health and actually say ‘no, this is not the right time for me.’”
Whilst winning trophies and seeing all the hard work pay off is an incredible sentiment, it is important to stay grounded and protect your own health. There is no doubt that her leadership and companionship will be missed in the Euros this summer. However, she has full support from everyone around her and understands that this tournament is not her biggest priority at present.
Support for Millie Bright
Bright is such a valued player, by teammates and staff for both club and country. Whilst her withdrawal may have come as a surprise to many, there has been a powerful response from her friends and family.
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Aston Villa’s Daly commented: “Couldn’t be more proud. With you through everything my girl”. Whilst her Lionesses teammate, Beth Mead added: “Got you every step of the way.”
Since her post, there has been endless love and support for the Lioness. When questioned, Wiegman expressed ‘she has to take care of herself’ and wished her well in her time away from the pitch.
To have such a strong support network shows the importance of the community within the women’s game. It is clear that Bright will be missed in Switzerland this summer. But her teammates wish her well and hope she will feel revitalised and able to step back on the pitch ahead of a new season. Such a caring and understanding network encourages the centre-back to evaluate the situation, back her decision, and make positive steps in her recovery.
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Once again, the defender should be applauded for her resilience and bravery. Speaking out about physical and mental struggles can certainly prove challenging. Bright’s honesty and recognition that she must prioritise her wellbeing over her international duties is half of the battle.
The future of the game
Following the openness of Millie Bright, it puts into question whether more should be done to support players and ensure they are given the breaks required to fully recover and rest throughout the season. For many months, concerns have been raised over scheduling in the women’s game. The women’s football calendar seems to expand every season, especially for those involved heavily in both club and country fixtures.
In reality, no footballer wishes to admit they are exhausted and ready for a break. With a rising number of high and low-profile players suffering long-term injuries, including the dreaded ACL, more should be done to prevent this. It takes as little as a check-in or rest day to realise that things have become too intense.
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This season alone, numerous tournaments have taken place on the international stage. One example of this being the UEFA Women’s Nations League. An increasing the number of fixtures naturally encourages better exposure of, and revenue from the women’s game. But should the growth of the game be at the cost of physical and mental wellbeing?
Bright’s statement is yet another reminder that footballers are human too. Players can so easily become surrounded with their typical routine — training, match, recovery, repeat — that their mental and physical health slips into the background. While England’s vice-captain, alongside her teammates, would ‘give everything for the badge and country’, it must be considered, at what cost?
