SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Millie Bright of England wears the rainbow captain's armband during the Women's international friendly between England and Switzerland at Bramall Lane on December 03, 2024 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
England’s Lionesses triumphed at the Euro 2025, defeating Spain in a thrilling final. For the second time in three years, fans celebrated the team’s remarkable success, reminiscent of their victory over Germany in 2022. However, for defender Millie Bright, this championship experience was vastly different as she was unable to participate due to injury.
Bright, a pivotal figure in the Lionesses’ defence during their Euro 2022 win, announced her unavailability shortly before Sarina Wiegman revealed her squad for Euro 2025. In an interview with FourFourTwo, Bright discussed the challenges surrounding her decision not to compete in Switzerland this summer.
“[It was] really difficult, but I knew what I needed to do,” she reflected. The Chelsea defender emphasized the demanding nature of the previous season, during which her club secured three trophies and went unbeaten in the league. Despite these achievements, Bright faced ongoing knee issues that prompted her to opt for surgery.
“I made the call to get surgery, which I needed. I was going to have to get it anyway, and I really want to push for the Champions League this season and be in the best possible place,” she explained. Bright acknowledged that her mental state also played a crucial role in her decision. “Mentally I just wasn’t there either, and it would have been selfish to take the spot of a player who could have been 100 per cent physically and mentally.”
As a result, Bright watched the tournament unfold from home, sharing a similar experience with millions of fans across England. “I was at home watching all the games – I did a lot of pacing up and down the living room, and a lot of shouting at the screen,” she recounted. Despite her absence on the field, she expressed immense pride in her teammates.
“It’s a proud moment when you help the youngsters coming through, then see them taking the baton and shining – that’s still my team, I’m still part of it and whether you’re there or not, you feel like you’re still in it,” she noted. Bright experienced the same emotions as her teammates, including sleepless nights following their games. “I still had all the emotions, the sleepless nights after games, which was wild!”
Having earned 88 caps for England since her debut against Belgium in 2016, Bright’s future in the national team remains a topic of interest. As attention shifts to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, she revealed, “I’ve not really thought about that, but I feel amazing again and my knee has been really good. I just want to start the season strong, then take it from there.”
In addition to her football career, Bright has launched a limited edition sports bra and sportswear range in collaboration with MAAREE. For more details, visit MAAREE.com.
