Sarina Wiegman addresses Millie Bright’s England future as Chelsea defender undergoes knee surgery | OneFootball

Sarina Wiegman has addressed the future of Millie Bright as the Chelsea defender underwent knee surgery after making herself unavailable for England selection.

The 31-year-old withdrew from selection for Euro 2025 on Wednesday. In “one of the hardest decisions” she has ever had to make, Bright said she was unable to “give 100% mentally or physically”.

There was further explanation as to her absence, as Chelsea confirmed on Thursday night that Bright had undergone minor surgery.

Bright will now begin her rehabilitation period with the club’s medical team.

Sarina Wiegman unsure whether Millie Bright will play for England again

During her press conference, after she confirmed her 23-player squad for Euro 2025, Sarina Wiegman was asked about the England future of Chelsea captain Millie Bright.

Wiegman said: “I don’t know. I’m just sad and disappointed that she’s not in a very good place.

“I hope she’s doing well but we haven’t had conversations about after the Euros. It’s all about the Euros.”

There have been questions over whether too much is expected of top-level players with an increasing demand.

Wiegman believes more should be done to protect players and prevent similar issues in the future.

She said: “That’s the demands of the game both internationally and domestically. They’re at the highest level, they have to perform and show up – but they need some rest, too.

“It’s very exciting as players have so many incredible games, they’re all on TV, there’s a lot of visibility. At the same time, the demands on the players are high, too.”

Millie Bright’s knee injury

Millie Bright underwent minor knee surgery after ruling herself out of the Lionesses’ squad for Euro 2025.

The Chelsea defender made 36 appearances for her club this season but missed recent Nations League fixtures against Spain and Portugal for her country.

She has struggled with knee issues in the past. Bright missed the second-half of the 2023-24 season due to a recurrence of a previous knee injury.

The defender had gone through intensive rehabilitation to make sure she could play at the 2023 World Cup.

It is clear that Bright’s knee is still causing her problems after an intense season with Chelsea, as she helped them clinch the WSL title.

Her withdrawal was a blow to Sarina Wiegman after Mary Earps and Fran Kirby both retired.

Sarina Wiegman’s England squad for Euro 2025

The England future of Millie Bright might be under question after missing Euro 2025, but six Chelsea players have made the squad to fly out to Switzerland.

Lauren James has overcome her own injury problems to be included in the squad.

Hannah Hampton will likely be the starting goalkeeper after the retirement of Earps, while Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Keira Walsh and Aggie-Beever Jones have also been included.

Below, is the full 23-player squad.

Goalkeepers: Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride), Hannah Hampton (Chelsea), Khiara Keating (Manchester City)

Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal), Jess Carter (Gotham FC), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Maya Le Tissier (Manchester United) Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

Midfielders: Grace Clinton (Manchester United), Jess Park (Manchester City), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Keira Walsh (Chelsea)

Forwards: Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Beth Mead (Arsenal), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Arsenal), Aggie Beever-Jones (Chelsea), Michelle Agyemang (Arsenal), Alessia Russo (Arsenal).