England defender Millie Bright has annouced that she is withdrawing herself from selection for Euro 2025.
In a statement posted on her Instagram, the defender wrote: “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,” she continued. “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 per cent mentally or physically.”
The 31-year-old has been a stalwart of the Lionesses over the last few years but had withdrawn from this month’s Nations League camp to “undertake an extended period of recovery.” It was widely expected, however, that she would return in time for this summer’s tournament.
It is yet another piece of news that will comes as a blow for Sarina Wiegman ahead of the announcement of her Euro 2025 squad on Thursday. In the last week, both Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have announced their retirement from international football with immediate effect.
Bright later put up a photo on Instagram showing that she had undergone surgery on her left knee. Chelsea put out a statement saying: “Chelsea can confirm defender Millie Bright has today undergone minor knee surgery. Millie will begin a period of rehabilitation with the support of the club’s medical department.”
