Millie Bright retires from her duties in England

English defender Millie Bright has officially announced her retirement from international football, ending a remarkable career that spanned nearly a decade with the Lionesses.

The 32-year-old Chelsea captain has won 88 caps for her country after making her debut in 2016 and was a central figure in England’s 2022 European Championship victory.

Speaking on The Rest is Football: Daly Brightness on Monday, Bright explained that her decision came after a long period of thought.

“I’ve been weighing this for a long time,” she said. “It’s one of those decisions that no one can make for you. It’s a feeling I’m at peace with.”

Bright missed the defense of the European Championship this summer in Switzerland, after he chose to withdraw from Sarina Wegman’s squad.

She later revealed that the decision stemmed from not feeling able to “give 100% mentally or physically” after having knee surgery earlier in the year.

The advocate called stepping down “the best decision I’ve ever made,” and credited her time with helping her regain clarity and balance.

“Spending the summer thinking, getting my knee fixed, and getting my head straight, puts things into perspective. As you get older, your priorities change. I was craving time with family, time with friends, time for myself,” Bright said.

A leader on and off the pitch, Bright played every minute of England’s victorious Euro 2022 campaign and went on to lead the team to the World Cup final in 2023, where they narrowly lost to Spain.

Reflecting on her journey, she said: “I am extremely proud and honored to have played for England for so long. Every international match has been special and the memories I have made – especially with this one sitting in front of me – have been some of the best of my life. But yes, the time has come. It is the right time for me to call it a day with England.”

Bright’s last appearance with her country’s national team came last April, during a 3-2 defeat against Belgium during the European Nations League campaign.

In response to the announcement, England manager Sarina Wegman paid tribute to the outgoing defender’s influence and legacy.

“Millie will forever be an England legend for what she did for her country, and I cannot have enough words to praise her influence during my time,” Wegman said.