England's Lionesses have been dealt another huge blow to their Euro 2025 hopes as Millie Bright has withdrawn from selection for the tournament.
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Bright will not be part of England's Euro 2025 squadChelsea captain has been taking extended period of recoveryNow withdraws from Lionesses selection this summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Bright was initially included in Sarina Wiegman's squad for the penultimate round of Nations League fixtures this past week but withdrew to take "an extended period of recovery" after admitting that she was "mentally and physically" at her "limits". Now, the Chelsea captain has extended that period even longer, by choosing to make herself unavailable for selection for England at this summer's Euros.
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It continues what has been a shocking week of news for the Lionesses, kicked off by Mary Earps' stunning retirement at the end of May. reported that Wiegman wanted the goalkeeper to be part of her England squad this summer as the back-up to Hannah Hampton, but Earps chose to instead step away from international duty with immediate effect. Then, on Tuesday night came the news that Fran Kirby would also be hanging up her boots on an England front, having not made the cut for the Euros. To also lose Bright is a huge blow, especially considering the cumulative experience the dressing room will be without.
WHAT BRIGHT SAID
In a statement on social media, Bright 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. 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. As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and, most importantly, the team. It wouldn't be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and country.
"I'll be supporting the team with everything I've got and hoping this incredible group of players will do the nation proud. Thank you to my team-mates, coaches and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering supporting, it means the world to me."
DID YOU KNOW?
The good news, at least, is that England do have a lot of depth at the centre-back position. Bright's absence likely paves the wave for Alex Greenwood to start alongside Leah Williamson in defence, though Esme Morgan got the nod there in Friday's win over Portugal. Jess Carter will also compete in that spot, while Bright's withdrawal could open the door for Lotte Wubben-Moy to be included in Wiegman's final squad.
