England captain Millie Bright has been ruled out of the Lionesses' crucial Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands and Scotland due to injury. Mary Earps will take the captain's armband in Bright's absence, with uncapped Millie Turner called up as a replacement.
England currently sit third in their group, three points behind leaders Netherlands, after a campaign marred by injuries and shock defeats. Wins in both remaining games are essential to keep alive hopes of topping the group.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman now faces a defensive reshuffle. Possible solutions include pairing Jess Carter with Alex Greenwood in a back four, despite a lack of height, or giving Maya Le Tissier a chance in her natural centre-back role. Alternatively, Wiegman could revert to a back three, with Lotte Wubben-Moy or Turner slotting in alongside Greenwood and Carter.
Bright was pivotal in England's run to the World Cup final, starting every game. Her absence leaves a significant gap, but Wiegman has several options to choose from as the Lionesses look to secure vital points.
