New Delhi, Oct 13 (NationPress) Millie Bright, the talented defender for England and Chelsea Women, has officially declared her retirement from international football, marking the end of a remarkable nine-year tenure with the national team. During this period, she had the honor of lifting the Euro 2022 trophy and leading the Lionesses to the final of the 2023 World Cup.

Bright, aged 31, shared her heartfelt decision on her podcast, The Rest is Football: Daly Brightness, which she co-hosts with her former England teammate Rachel Daly. She expressed that this choice was deeply personal and had been contemplated for an extended period.

“I have been contemplating this for a while. It's one of those choices that no one else can make for you. It’s a feeling, and I am at peace with it,” Bright remarked.

“Taking the summer to reflect, recover from my knee surgery, and focus on my mental health provided clarity. As I grow older, my priorities have shifted. I have been yearning for quality time with family, friends, and myself.”

Bright, who debuted for England in 2016 and accumulated 88 caps, expressed her immense pride in representing her country, but she believes it is time to step back.

“I am incredibly proud and honored to have played for England for such a long duration. Each cap has been significant, and the memories I have created are among the best of my life. However, I feel it is the right moment to retire from international duty,” she stated.

The defender elaborated that her choice was influenced by her desire to commit fully to Chelsea, admitting that the physical demands of elite football had brought her to a “crossroads.”

“Physically, I find myself at a crossroads — can I be fully dedicated to both England and Chelsea? I want to give my all,” she explained. “To ensure I can be at my best for my club, I probably need to take a step back.”

“People may question my decision, but ultimately it’s for my own well-being. It’s a decision I am content with. Watching the Lionesses compete this summer, I had no regrets about my choice,” she added.

Bright withdrew from selection for England’s Euro 2025 campaign, opting to recover from knee surgery and focus on her mental and physical health during the summer. While at home, she witnessed the Lionesses successfully defend their European title — the very trophy she helped secure in 2022, playing in every match.

Additionally, she captained the squad to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final held in Australia and New Zealand, stepping up in the absence of the injured captain Leah Williamson, leading England close to a historic world title.

Her international journey commenced in September 2016, when she substituted for Karen Carney in a 2-0 victory over Belgium. Over the next nine years, she became one of England’s most reliable defenders — a fearless and commanding presence, as well as a vocal leader both on and off the field.

Reflecting on her legacy, Bright hopes to be remembered as someone who made a significant impact — both as an athlete and a person.

“I want my legacy to embody being a winner — a difference maker. Not just someone who was present, but someone who seized every opportunity and aspired to create change,” she articulated.

“I wish to be remembered for my performances on the field — as someone who would do anything for anyone, who was dependable, and who gave everything, heart and soul, every match. Ultimately, I want to be remembered as a true Lioness, someone who represented her country with integrity.”