‘I can’t give 100%’: Bright out of Euro 2025 squad in latest blow for England | OneFootball

England have encountered another major blow to their hopes of defending the European Championship title this summer after the vice-captain, ­Millie Bright, withdrew from contention for the tournament in Switzerland next month on the eve of Sarina Wiegman naming her final 23-player squad.

Bright said the decision “is the right thing for my health and my future” and it is understood her teammates have been sending her their full support for prioritising her mental and physical health. Nonetheless, the decision is a big setback for ­Wiegman before the defence of the trophy England won three years ago, coming swiftly after the news of the retirements from international football of Mary Earps and Fran Kirby. All three players started every game of the Lionesses’ run to Euro 2022 glory, along with Rachel Daly, who retired from England duty last year, and the centre-forward Ellen White, who hung up her boots altogether after that triumph, meaning only six of the starting side from that historic success could be involved this time around.

“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,” Bright said on Instagram. “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% mentally or physically.

“As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for Eng­land and fighting alongside my teammates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future, 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 to give everything for the badge and country.”

The 31-year-old, who has won 88 caps and scored six international goals, withdrew from England’s recent Nations League fixtures against Portugal and Spain to allow herself extra time to recover, ­telling the Daly Brightness podcast she had needed to look after her mental health as well as needing to let her body rest. Bright captained Chelsea to a domestic treble this season.

On Wednesday the centre-back, who captained England in their run to the 2023 World Cup final, said: “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 teammates, coaches and, most importantly, the fans for your unwavering support, it means the world to me.”

However, there is positive news for Wiegman: three key players who had been long-term absentees with knee injuries – Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood – all came through England’s recent matches against Portugal and Spain in good condition. The return of Greenwood in particular will be very welcome in that she can start at centre-back – the position she has played most commonly for her club, Manchester City – in Bright’s absence this summer.

Additionally, Wiegman has said she is positive regarding the Chelsea forward Lauren James’s chances of being fit, as she continues her recovery from a hamstring problem.

James is likely to be named in the squad on Thursday, but Wiegman still has a big decision to make as to who to name among her back-up midfielders, with Kirby having retired. She could favour Aston Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns, who made her senior debut on Tuesday away against Spain, but Laura Blindkilde Brown is also in contention, while Brighton’s Maisie Symonds received her first call-up to the ­senior side in March – there will probably be room for only one of that young trio in Wiegman’s 23.

England begin their Euro 2025 campaign against France on 5 July, before Group D fixtures against the Netherlands and then Wales.

Header image: [Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian]