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In surprising news, Chelsea Women defender Millie Bright has withdrawn herself from the upcoming Women's Euro 2025 England squad. The Euro Championship will take place next month. The reason behind her withdrawal is "she is not at her best." Bright announced on her official Instagram post on Wednesday, just after the club came out with England's Euro 2025 squad list. The 31-year-old England vice-captain described this decision as quite tough in her life. She had previously withdrawn from England’s recent Nations League camp against Portugal and Spain, citing that she had reached her mental and physical limits following the domestic season.
"My pride and ego tell me to go, but I think the team and the fans deserve more," she wrote. "Right now, I'm not able to give 100% mentally or physically." Her withdrawal comes ahead of the Euros in Switzerland, where England will look to defend their 2022 title. This withdrawal is a significant setback for Sarina Wiegman’s squad, especially following the recent international retirement of veteran goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Football has given me so much, and it's an honour to represent my country: Millie Bright
Bright was given an 'extended period of recovery' when she was left out of the squad for England's Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain. With 88 caps to her name, including a pivotal role in the Euro 2022 triumph and the run to the 2023 World Cup final, she remains one of the most experienced players in the Lionesses' ranks.
However, she revealed that she isn't in the form to give her best physically and mentally. "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," she said in a statement.
"Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my greatest honour. My pride and ego tell 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.
England is looking forward to kicking off their European title defence against France on July 5th.
