Millie Bright has spoken candidly about her decision to step away from the England squad for this summer's European Championship, citing mental and physical health concerns. The Chelsea defender revealed she underwent knee surgery and prioritised her long-term wellbeing over representing the Lionesses.
In a discussion with former England international Rachel Daly on their new podcast, Bright said: “There’s more than just England under consideration... there’s me being able to walk down the stairs after I’ve played 90 minutes of football.” She emphasised the need to think about her future, including having children and performing everyday tasks without pain.
Bright admitted she was not concerned about public reaction. “For the first time in a long time I’m not thinking about anyone else. I’m actually thinking about myself,” she said. She felt other players were fully available and deserved the opportunity. Her unavailability is temporary, and she plans to support the team.
Daly, who retired from international football in April 2024, reflected on her own decision to step away. She highlighted the benefits of switching off and spending time with family, and expressed joy in seeing younger players like Aggie Beever-Jones thrive. The pair’s friendship, rooted in a shared Yorkshire background, led them to launch the podcast named Daly Brightness.
