Chelsea captain Millie Bright is the latest England star to declare herself unavailable for selection, with head coach Sarina Wiegman facing a burgeoning crisis ahead of the 2025 Euros.
Wiegman will announce the squad that will seek to defend the Lionesses 2022 title on Thursday, but is forced to go without a number of established stars.
Former England No1 Mary Earps announced that she was retiring from international football in bombshell news last week, with Wiegman believed to have been caught off-guard by the decision.
On Tuesday, long-time England star and Bright's former Chelsea team-mate Fran Kirby also announced her retirement, three years on from starting in all six of the Lionesses' games on the road to their Euro 2022 triumph.
Taking to Instagram, Bright wrote that she was unavailable to give 100 per cent 'mentally or physically'.
'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.
Chelsea and former England captain Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for selection
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Chelsea and former England captain Millie Bright has made herself unavailable for selection
The long-serving defender has been a lynchpin in Sarina Wiegman's England squad
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The long-serving defender has been a lynchpin in Sarina Wiegman's England squad
Bright was one of a number of internationals vital to claiming the 2022 European Championship
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Bright was one of a number of internationals vital to claiming the 2022 European Championship
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 back walls for England and fighting alongside my team-mates, stepping back is the right timing 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 support.
'It means the world to me.'
Bright - who served as England captain during Leah Williamson's absence at the 2023 World Cup - has had an emotionally and physically draining 2024/25 campaign for her domestic side.
Chelsea secured an awe-inspiring Treble as they went unbeaten on home soil under new head coach Sonia Bompastor.
But the team missed out on a much-desired Champions League trophy to complete their set as they lost 8-2 on aggregate to serial champions Barcelona.
Bright has had a taxing season for her domestic side, captaining Chelsea to another treble
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Bright has had a taxing season for her domestic side, captaining Chelsea to another treble
The defender has served as captain for Wiegman in the absence of Arsenal's Leah Williamson
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The defender has served as captain for Wiegman in the absence of Arsenal's Leah Williamson
Bright had hinted at the strain she was feeling on her podcast Daly Brightness with fellow England star Rachel Daly last week.
'I think mentally and physically I'm at my limits, which is why I'm not at camp,' Bright told the Aston Villa star.
'That is a really hard decision but I think you know better than anyone as well - sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.
'You need to value yourself and your mental health and body, and just say that no, right now is not the time for you.'
The defender's team-mates were quick to offer their support to her message on social media, with Arsenal stars Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly among the first to comment.
'Proud of you always (heart emoji),' Kelly posted, with Mead adding: 'Got you every step of the way, love ya Mill (heart emoji).'
'Couldn't be more proud (floating hearts emoji) with you through EVERYTHING my girl xxxxx,' Bright's podcast co-host Daly wrote.
The Lionesses account also added their own missive, writing: 'We're all with you, Millie (heart emoji) (flag emoji).'
In discussion with her podcast co-host Rachel Daly last week Bright hinted at mental stress
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In discussion with her podcast co-host Rachel Daly last week Bright hinted at mental stress
But her decision to step back this summer will no doubt come as a bitter blow to Wiegman
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But her decision to step back this summer will no doubt come as a bitter blow to Wiegman
The international retirement of her team-mate Mary Earps hit the squad hard last month
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The international retirement of her team-mate Mary Earps hit the squad hard last month
When announcing her retirement last week, Earps acknowledged that it 'was not a simple goodbye - (coming) right before a major tournament.
'This is a new era and a new England team, and I’m looking forward to watching them this summer,' she added. 'In the end, all you have is all you are – your character.
'And I know that whilst this won’t make sense to some who are reading this, you can trust that I would not be doing this unless I thought it was absolutely the right thing to do, as much as it hurts.'
England boss Wiegman admitted her disappointment with the loss of the goalkeeper when asked about Earp's retirement ahead of England's Nations League clashes this month.
[#### Read More
Mary Earps has let Sarina Wiegman down with her shock retirement, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH
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'I had hoped that Mary would play an important role within the squad this summer, so of course I am disappointed,' she said 'Mary has been clear on her reasons why she has made the decision and it is something we need to accept.
'Mary has made a huge contribution to not only the team, but the whole of English football.
'We will cherish those memories and of course give Mary the tributes she deserves after the summer but, for now, the focus needs to be on the upcoming UEFA Women’s Nations League fixtures and the Euros.'
England get their European campaign underway on July 5, taking on France in Zurich.