This week Millie Bright has really made a splash by declaring she’s going to retire from the next Euro 2025 cycle. The Chelsea Women standout and linchpin of the England national team is retiring from international play. This stunning change of plans has shocked her manager, Sarina Wiegman, and the broader football world. Bright reported that she was unable to give 100 percent, mentally and physically. This wake up call motivated her to focus on her own health—that’s a decision she often puts on the back burner.
Bright’s decision comes after a difficult season. Even after fighting through multiple injuries this season, she proved to all her astounding mental fortitude, versatility, and commitment to the game. Last year, she guided Chelsea Women to their sixth straight WSL (Women’s Super League) trophy. In Year Five, she’s trying to win many more championships ahead of her. Bright has been considered a close to sure thing starter for the Lionesses. Her surprising decision in that tournament has raised doubts about her future with the national team.
By withdrawing from Euro 2025, Bright hopes to use this time to recharge, both emotionally and physically. In normal seasons, Huerta’s tireless pursuit of greatness would have forced her into action even when injured. This time, she decided to go a different route.
“At no point was I feeling that I should have or I shouldn’t have [gone]. And I think when you know that, I was at peace with my decision. And it’s my choice. I made the call.” – Millie Bright
Bright is committed to making her health and well-being a priority. Her devotion is extraordinary, especially in the cutthroat landscape of women’s football in the present day. She admitted that the competitive environment in the league has completely shifted, with plenty of teams now competing for title contention.
“Every single season has been challenging and difficult for many reasons. There’s more than just two or three teams competing now. There’s four or five teams competing for the league, which is incredible.” – Millie Bright
As you might expect, Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea Women’s head coach, is all in on Bright’s choice. She further points to the club’s dogged spirit to keep pushing for a quadruple this season. Chelsea Women became WSL title winners in true dramatic fashion as they lifted the trophy at Stamford Bridge last campaign. Now, they’re motivated to put some more silverware into their bulging trophy case.
“We don’t just leave one trophy to win another. We want all four. So we’re absolutely going for the quadruple. But of course, the Champions League is the one that we want.” – Millie Bright
The Chelsea squad knows what’s in store. They are not shy or modest about their confidence in their ability to do what they set out to do. Bright even went on to explain how important competition in women’s football is. She advocated for each team to add talent to their roster.
“I think as a player and especially in the women’s game, we fight for each other. We want every team to be making big signings. We want every team to be strengthening.” – Millie Bright
Bright’s decision to not participate in Euro 2025 will surely leave questions about her longevity with the national team moving forward. This is the intent of the narrative conversation, to pivot and lead to player health and well-being. Considering what the sport requires from its athletes, this conversation is even more important.
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