The Thorns will be her new home, but at 32, she’s retiring from international football. Bright was very much able to make that decision just after talking to head coach Sarina Wiegman. She confirmed her intent to retire after England’s victorious Euro 2025 host bid. With 88 caps to her name, Bright has left quite the legacy as a defender on the American game. She was the former captain of the senior national team.
Bright’s statement follows only days after she stepped down from the squad selection for Euro 2025. She had long made it known that she would be available — without making any moves to be unavailable — if chosen. Her decision to retire reflects a thoughtful consideration of her career and the evolving dynamics of the team as younger players emerge.
Bright’s Contributions to England
Despite being a latecomer to the scene of her position, Millie Bright has been an England mainstay since her debut. She earned 88 caps over her international career and played a crucial role in leading the team as captain during Leah Williamson’s absence in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final. Her leadership, versatility, and defensive prowess have played a key role in the development of these successes the team has made on the world stage.
Throughout her tenure on the international stage, Bright played a large role in major tournaments, taking on responsibilities as both a defender and playmaker. Her dedication to greatness has raised the bar for the players that follow her. Now, with her retirement, we turn the page on an inspiring epoch for England’s women’s football.
The Coaching Perspective
Sarina Wiegman, the head coach of the England women’s team, said she was ‘disappointed’ by Bright’s choice. She said such a move is just indicative of how the sport is evolving. Wiegman wanted Bright to be part of the qualification campaign for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. She said frankly, “It’s just the natural cycle of young players coming in with older players at other points in their lives making the decision to retire.”
In that instance, Wiegman wanted to highlight Bright’s thoughtfulness in weighing her decision. She felt it wouldn’t have been right to attempt to persuade her to remain on the team, especially in light of her storied career.
“She had been thinking about it very thoroughly and when a player makes a decision like this when you’ve had such an incredible career internationally, then it’s not appropriate to have that conversation [to try and convince her to stay].” – Sarina Wiegman
A Shift in the Team Landscape
With Millie Bright’s retirement announcement this week, three of the most recognizable figures on that team – along with Mary Earps and Fran Kirby – are now retired. They should have all withdrawn from international duty heading into Euro 2025. This trend is a promising sign in a larger shift on the team, as fresher talent continues to be introduced into the squad. England to begin their 2026 Women’s qualification campaign in Brazil. This transition period provides an opportunity for new dynamic leaders to step up and make their mark.
Wiegman discussed the shifting dynamics within the squad, emphasizing that it’s an illustration of how football develops over the years.
“I don’t see it as a trend. It says how the game goes.” – Sarina Wiegman
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