England defender Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for international duty just four weeks before the start of the Euros.
Bright has been a key figure for the Lionesses, having captained the side in the 2023 World Cup. She was also part of the triumphant European Championship campaign in 2022.
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The Chelsea star recently pulled out of England’s Nations League clashed with Portugal and Spain with the Football Association revealing she was undertaking ‘an extended period of recovery’.
She subsequently took to Instagram to cast further light on her withdrawal.
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% mentally or physically.”
Bright later elaborated on her absence on her ‘Daly Brightness’ podcast alongside former England teammate Rachel Daly.
Asked if she was okay, Bright replied: “probably not at this moment.”
She continued: “I think mentally and physically I’m at my limits, which is why I’m not at camp. That is a really hard decision but I think you know better than anyone as well – sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.
“You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.”
Bright’s withdrawal comes after goalkeeper Mary Earps announced her international retirement last month while Fran Kirby called time on her England career following Tuesday’s 2-1 Women’s Nations League defeat to Spain.
On Wednesday the Chelsea defender added: “I’ll be supporting the team with everything I’ve got, and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud.
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“Thank you to my teammates, coaches and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me.”
Bright has won 88 caps for the Lionesses, scoring six times.
The news comes as a huge blow as England prepare to launch their title defence.
Boss Sarina Weigman is set to announce her squad for the tournament on Thursday and the exclusion of three senior stars at short notice will have a huge impact on her preparations.
The holders kick off their Euros campaign against France on July 5 before facing off against the Netherlands and Wales in the group phase.
“I’m close to the squad and will announce on Thursday,” Weigmann said on Tuesday. “That is very close and [I’m] close to the starting line-up, but there is a month to go. We have ideas but also have Jamaica to play, some things are still open.”
