Sarina Wiegman, head coach of the England women’s national football team, expressed her wish for Millie Bright to be part of the squad for the upcoming cycle leading to the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Bright announced her retirement from international football on Monday, following her withdrawal from squad selection for Euro 2025 earlier this summer.
Bright, a defender for Chelsea, has made 88 appearances for the Lionesses and captained the team in the absence of Leah Williamson during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, where England reached the final. The Lionesses are set to begin their qualification for the next World Cup in Brazil in 2026, and Wiegman had hoped to include Bright in this campaign.
“Of course I wanted that,” Wiegman stated. “She’s still a very good player, so I want her in the squad, but I totally respect and understand the decision she’s made.” She acknowledged the depth of thought Bright had put into her decision, emphasizing that it would not be appropriate to persuade her to reconsider given her impressive international career.
In discussing their conversation following England’s successful campaign at Euro 2025, Wiegman noted that the two had a meaningful dialogue about Bright’s retirement. “At the back of the Euros, we had a conversation,” Wiegman said. “The competition [Women’s Super League] had started already, and Millie told me she was going to retire from international football. It wasn’t immediately after the final. You have to take some time with these things, and it’s a very hard decision.”
Bright’s exit from international football comes at a time when the Lionesses are adjusting their squad. The coach reflected on Bright’s significant impact, both on and off the pitch. “She’s been huge for us, for me, and for the team. Even before I came in, she’s been a great personality and a leader. I’m really grateful that I’ve been a little part of her journey.”
The timing of Bright’s announcement is notable, as it follows a pattern of high-profile retirements from the England squad. Earlier this summer, Mary Earps announced her retirement five weeks before Euro 2025, and Fran Kirby made a similar decision shortly before the final squad was announced.
When asked if these retirements indicated a concerning trend for the team, Wiegman responded, “I don’t see it as a trend. It says how the game goes. It’s a natural process that young players come in and other players that are older and at other stages of their lives make the decision to retire. Sometimes I tell players they won’t be selected anymore, and then they retire. I think that’s a natural process, and now we’ve had a couple of retirements. These players have had tremendous careers with huge highs, and it’s time to move on for them.”
The Lionesses now face the challenge of integrating new talent as they prepare for the next World Cup qualification, while also reflecting on the contributions of veteran players like Bright. As Wiegman continues to build her squad, the influence of experienced players will undoubtedly shape the future of women’s football in England.
