Chelsea defender Bright withdraws from England Euros selection

 

Chelsea defender Bright withdraws from England Euros selection Millie Bright, England Women’s football team captain and Chelsea defender, has withdrawn from the Euro 2025 squad, dealing a significant blow to the Lionesses’ title defense. The 31-year-old announced her decision in an emotional Instagram statement, explaining she is unable to give 100 percent mentally and physically due to burnout. Bright’s withdrawal follows a demanding season where she played 43 matches, leading Chelsea to an unbeaten domestic treble. Her absence adds to England’s challenges, with goalkeeper Mary Earps recently retiring from international duty and Fran Kirby also stepping away. Bright had already missed recent UEFA Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain for extended recovery, signaling her struggle to cope with the intense schedule. In her statement, she described the decision as one of the hardest of her career but necessary to prioritize her health. The defender, a key figure in England’s 2022 Euros triumph, emphasized her pride in representing her country and the difficulty of stepping back from the tournament. Her withdrawal raises concerns about player welfare, as the football calendar continues to intensify. Bright’s leadership and defensive prowess will be sorely missed, with England now tasked with finding a new captain and reshaping their backline. Fans and teammates have rallied behind her, praising her courage in addressing burnout openly. The Lionesses, under coach Sarina Wiegman, must now regroup ahead of the tournament, with emerging talents like Leah Williamson and Jess Carter likely to step up. Bright’s focus now shifts to recovery, with hopes of returning stronger for club and country. Her decision underscores the growing conversation around mental health and sustainability in women’s football, sparking calls for better support systems to protect players from burnout.

See also: Lionesses' Fran Kirby announces international retirement before women's Euros