A Bright International career comes to an end

Millie Bright, a stalwart of the England Women's Senior Team for nearly a decade, has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect at the age of 32.

The Chelsea captain, who earned 88 caps for the Lionesses, revealed the decision today Monday 13th October 2025 stating that the time was right to step back and focus entirely on her club career.

The news comes on the eve of the England squad announcement for friendlies against Brazil and Australia.

Bright had already withdrawn from contention for the squad that successfully defended their European Championship title last summer.

Reflecting on her decision, Bright cited a need to look after her "physical and mental health," explaining that she had reached a crossroads where she needed to be "all in" for her club.

"The reality of the last decade wearing the Three Lions has surpassed even my wildest dreams. It's been beyond special for me and I wish it could last forever," Bright said. "For me personally, it's a decision I have taken to ensure I can commit fully to my club football and give Chelsea everything they need from me... I always want to leave an environment and team in a better place than I found it, so what better time to step aside and let the next generation of Lionesses come through."

Bright's nine-year international career, which began with her senior debut in September 2016, was synonymous with the Lionesses' greatest achievements in recent years.

Bright's International Achievements:

 * UEFA Women's EURO 2022 Winner: Bright was an ever-present figure in defence playing every game on home soil as the Lionesses clinched England’s first major international title since 1966. She jointly lifted the trophy as the team's vice-captain.

 * 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Runner-up: In the absence of the injured Leah Williamson, Bright was entrusted with the captaincy and led the team through all seven matches to reach the World Cup final, where they finished just short as runners-up.

 * Major Tournament Semi-Finals: She was an integral part of the squads that reached the semi-finals of EURO 2017 and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, despite only debuting ten months earlier, she was the only England player to start every match at EURO 2017.

 * Olympic Representation: Bright represented Team Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games (held in 2021).

 * Arnold Clark Cup: She was part of the England teams that won the Arnold Clark Cup in 2022 and 2023.

The central defender collected a total of 88 caps for her country, scoring six goals, she was a true leader on and off the pitch.

Bright was also awarded an OBE in the King's New Year's Honours List 2024 for her services to football. Having helped the Lionesses in a golden era for English women's football, Millie Bright steps away from the international stage as a legend, with her place in Lionesses history firmly secured.