Coach Sarina Wiegman sees another experienced player withdraw from the England national team shortly before the European Championship. Vice-captain Millie Bright is taking a break for health reasons. Mary Earps and Fran Kirby recently retired as internationals.
The 31-year-old Bright was already unavailable for the recent Nations League matches due to the effects of a burnout. “This is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made,” the Chelsea defender wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
“My pride and ego tell me that I have to go to the European Championship, but the team and the fans deserve more. I am not able to give everything right now. I am not 100 percent mentally and physically. I want to take a step back for my health.”
Bright was captain two years ago in the lost World Cup final against Spain. In 2022, she won the European Championship title in her own country with Wiegman and England. To date, Bright has played 88 times for the national team.
On Tuesday, the 31-year-old Kirby ended her international career. The 77-time international had just been told by Wiegman that she would not be going to the European Championship. The midfielder was part of England’s Nations League selection.
Last week, Earps surprisingly ended her career with England. The 32-year-old keeper would go to the European Championship, but had to settle for a reserve role behind Hannah Hampton. Earps played 53 games for the ‘Lionesses’.
England lost 2-1 to Spain on Tuesday, meaning England missed out on the Nations League final round. Following Spain, Germany, France and Sweden qualified for the final round, which is scheduled for this fall.
Wiegman’s England is in a group with the Netherlands, France and Wales at the European Championship. The tournament in Switzerland starts on July 2 and ends on July 27.