Millie Bright: Stepping Away From England Was ‘The Best Decision I’ve Ever Made’

Millie Bright says pulling out of England’s Euro 2025 squad was the most important decision of her career, admitting she could not give her all after a draining campaign with Chelsea, Sport360NG reports.

The 32-year-old defender, capped 88 times by the Lionesses, helped the Blues to a domestic treble last season, making 36 appearances despite battling ongoing fitness and mental health struggles. She was part of England’s Euro 2022 triumph and captained Sarina Wiegman’s side to the World Cup final the following year, but opted out of this summer’s Euros in Switzerland.

Bright revealed she had been pushing through physical and mental fatigue in Chelsea’s pursuit of silverware, but after the FA Cup win over Manchester United realised she needed to step back.

“You get into that mindset where nothing comes between you and winning,” Bright told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly. “When the season ended and I finally allowed myself to relax, it hit me. I knew I was on the verge of a breakdown. For the first time, I made a decision for myself, not to please anyone else.”

Over the summer, the centre-back underwent knee surgery and began counselling, describing the choice as “by far the best decision I have ever made”. She now feels revitalised heading into the new Women’s Super League campaign.

‘I Had Nothing Left to Give’

As captain of Chelsea and a senior figure with England, Bright admitted the weight of responsibility had left her emotionally drained.

“In that leadership role you’re expected to solve problems and set the tone for everyone else,” she said. “But by the end of it, I had nothing left to give. I’d lost that loud, bubbly side of myself and just felt unhappy.”

Despite winning major honours, she admitted the season was far from straightforward: “People see the trophies and think everything is perfect, but behind the scenes there were constant challenges. It felt like I was putting out fires all year.”

Bond With Sonia Bompastor

Bright also praised Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor, who succeeded Emma Hayes last summer and guided the Blues to another league and cup double in her debut season.

“To have built that level of trust with two different managers is really special,” Bright said. “With Sonia, just like with Emma, I know I can go to her about anything. That’s been invaluable, especially this summer.”

Ready for a New Season

Now pain-free after her surgery, Bright is relishing the return to training.

“I’m finally able to train without my knee swelling up, and I can walk down the stairs after a hard session,” she joked. “I never lost the buzz, but I was so drained. Now I’m excited for the first game.”

Chelsea open their WSL title defence against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on 5 September. Having dominated domestically, Bright says the hunger remains, particularly with the Champions League still missing from their trophy cabinet.

“We achieved a lot last season, but not the one thing we really wanted,” she added. “We want to go again, to be even better, because every other team is improving too. It’s a bit scary, but also really exciting.”