‘She’s had a massive influence’ – England boss Wiegman comments on impact of retiring defender Bright | OneFootball

England head coach Sarina Wiegman says that she respects defender Millie Bright’s decision to retire from international football and has highlighted the huge impact that the player has made for the national team.

The 32-year-old has opted to call time on international football off the back of a senior career which has spanned almost a decade.

England boss Wiegman spoke to the media earlier today and she explained how Bright’s decision came about whilst highlighting the player’s huge contribution for the Lionesses.

“At the back of the EUROs, we had a conversation,” Wiegman said. “Of course, the competition [for places for the next tournament] has started already and Millie told me that she was going to retire from international football which has now been broadcast to the world.

“We had a very good conversation. Of course, she has been huge for us, for me and for the team on and off the pitch. Also, before I came in, she has been a great personality and a leader on and off the pitch.

“I’m really grateful to have been a little part of her journey and I’m grateful that she’s been part of my team because she’s had a massive influence on and off the pitch.”

England will soon begin their qualifying campaign for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and Wiegman says that Bright would have remained in her thoughts had she not opted for retirement.

She said “Yes, of course, I wanted that [Bright available for selection]. As she said, before the EUROs, she wasn’t ready and she wanted to get things sorted.

“She’s still a very good player, so I want her in the squad but I totally respect and understand the decision that she makes for life.”

Wiegman was asked whether she discussed a u-turn with Bright but the England boss did not see that as an appropriate action.

She said “No, I don’t think it works that way. She’s been thinking very thoroughly about what she wanted.

“When a player makes a decision like this and you’ve had such an incredible career internationally then I think it’s not appropriate to have that conversation [about a u-turn], I just totally respect it. It must have been really hard to make this decision.”

England are back in action later this month when they face Brazil and Australia in international friendlies as part of the ‘Homecoming Series’ celebrations following the nation’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 success.