England v Spain - UEFA Women's Nations League 2024/25 Grp A3 MD2
Millie Bright has retired from international duty (Picture: Getty)
Former England captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international duty at the age of 32.
Bright missed the Lionesses’ triumph at Euro 2025 after making herself unavailable for selection due to mental and physical burnout.
The Chelsea captain has returned to action at club level this season, playing every minute of the first seven games of the campaign for Sonia Bompastor’s side.
However, the centre-back has now announced she will not be making a return to the national team set-up, as she announced her retirement on her podcast with former England team-mate Rachel Daly.
‘I’ve been weighing this up for a long time. It’s one of those decisions no one can make for you. It’s a feeling and I’m at peace with it,’ she said on The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness.
Get personalised updates on Chelsea every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
‘Having the summer to reflect, fix my knee, and get my head straight really put things into perspective. As you get older, your priorities change. I’ve been craving family time, time with friends, and time for myself.
‘I’ve always played through every injury I’ve ever had, but I got to a stage where I needed to make smart decisions and look after my physical and mental health. But listen, I am retiring from international football.
England v Germany: Final - UEFA Women's EURO 2022
Bright was vice-captain when England won the 2022 Euros at Wembley (Picture: Getty)
‘I’m incredibly proud and honoured to have played for England for so long. Every single cap has been special and the memories I’ve made, especially with this one sat opposite me, have been some of the best of my life. But yeah, it’s time. It’s the right time for me to call it a day with England.’
Bright made her England debut in September 2016 and went on to win 82 caps for the national side.
She formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Arsenal’s Leah Williamson, starting every game as England won the European Champions in 2022 at Wembley.
Bright then stepped up to captain the team when Williamson was injured, leading the Lionesses to the World Cup final in 2023, which they lost to Spain.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Cole Palmer vs Florian Wirtz: Granit Xhaka names the better player of the two
MORE: ‘He has quality’ – Zinedine Zidane praises Arsenal and Chelsea’s £84m transfer target
MORE: The one transfer Chelsea will ‘regret’ as Arsenal reap rewards
Football Newsletter – In The Mixer
Your guide to the week in football. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk – sign up, it’s an open goal.