England defender and Chelsea captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football, drawing the curtain on a distinguished nine-year career with the Lionesses.
The 32-year-old, who earned 88 caps for England, was part of the team that won the UEFA Women’s European Championship in 2022 and captained the side to the 2023 World Cup final. Bright made her international debut in September 2016 and became one of the most dependable figures in the national setup under managers Phil Neville and Sarina Wiegman.
Speaking on Monday’s episode of her podcast The Rest is Football: Daly Brightness, which she co-hosts with former England team-mate Rachel Daly, Bright confirmed her decision to retire, saying she felt at peace with the timing.
“I’ve been weighing this up for a long time,” she explained. “It’s one of those decisions no one can make for you. It’s a feeling, and I’m at peace with it. 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 Rach—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’s final appearance for the Lionesses came in April, in a 3-2 defeat to Belgium. She had already missed Euro 2025 in Switzerland after withdrawing herself from selection, citing both physical and mental fatigue following knee surgery earlier in the summer.
The Chelsea captain revealed that stepping away from the national team was crucial for her wellbeing. “Having the summer to reflect, fix my knee, and get my head straight really put things into perspective,” she said. “As you get older, your priorities change. I’ve been craving family time, time with friends, and time for myself.”
Bright underwent successful knee surgery shortly after Chelsea’s treble-winning 2024–25 season, which saw the club lift the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup titles. She admitted that the intense schedule took its toll.
“Physically, I’m at that crossroads,” she added. “Can I be 50% for each—for England and for Chelsea? I want to be all in. To give myself the best chance of doing that and be the best for my club, I probably need to rein it in a little bit.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman paid glowing tribute to the defender, describing her as a “true leader” both on and off the pitch.
“Millie will forever be an England legend for what she has given to her country,” Wiegman said. “Whether she had the armband or not, she is a true leader. She has made such a big contribution to English football and we all have a lot to thank her for.”
Bright’s international career was defined by consistency and resilience. She played every minute of England’s Euro 2022 triumph and every game of their 2023 World Cup run, where they finished runners-up to Spain. Her defensive solidity, aerial power, and leadership made her one of the most respected players in the women’s game.
From her first major tournament appearance at Euro 2017—where England reached the semi-finals—to her spell as captain at the 2023 World Cup, Bright embodied commitment and professionalism. Despite being sent off in England’s 2019 World Cup semi-final loss to the United States, she bounced back to become one of the team’s emotional and tactical leaders.
BBC Sport reporter Emma Sanders noted that Bright’s retirement marks “a changing of the guard” in England’s squad, with younger defenders such as Maya Le Tissier and Esme Morgan pushing for regular inclusion. Yet, Bright’s influence will continue to be felt in English football.
As she turns her full focus to Chelsea, Bright leaves behind a legacy of leadership, strength, and inspiration. Her journey from Doncaster Belles to captaining England at a World Cup final stands as one of the most remarkable stories in the modern era of the women’s game.
She departs the international stage with her head held high—an England icon who led by example and helped inspire a generation.
