We wouldn’t have our ray of Brightness at the Euros if Millie Bright had removed herself from selection.
While her message to the FA does not mean she is retiring, it does mean Sarina Wigeman, England manager, who initially needed to cut three players from her 26-women team from the most recent international break to 23 players, has been done for her with the immediate retirement of Fran Kirby andMary Earps.
She said on Instagram: “Football has given me so much, and representing my country has always been my most incredible honour.
“My pride and ego tells me to go, but I think the team and the fans deserve more.
“Right now, I'm unable to give 100% mentally or physically.
“As much as I want to be out there running through brick walls for England and fighting alongside my teammates, stepping back is the right thing for my health, my future in the game and most importantly, the team.
“It wouldn't be fair for me to take the place and opportunity away from another player who is ready and able to give everything for the badge and country.”
She continued to thank the fans for their unwavering support.
This comes after making 36 appearances for Chelsea over four competitions this season, which led to burnout.
She has 88 caps for her country and captained the squad at the women's world in Australia in 2023 after Leah Williamon suffered her ACL injury.
The Chelsea captain withdrew from the recent UEFA Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain due to being physically and emotionally exhausted. However, she has announced a more extended break away from the pitch after a heavy season at the club.
Carla Ward, Republic of Ireland manager, said on burnout: “It’s a difficult one. I mean, you’ve seen with Millie Bright at England coming out, mental and physical fatigue is massive.
“We have to protect them as people, and we’ll support anybody that needs that break.”
This announcement comes less than 24 hours after England was knocked out of the UEFA Nations League in a 2-1 defeat to Spain after going ahead in the first half through Alessia Russo.
Millie Bright withdrew from an international camp this month to protect her physical and mental well-being. She spoke on her podcast, Daley Brightness, with her bestie Rachel Daley, saying: "I think mentally and physically I'm at my limits, which is why I'm not at camp. You need to value yourself and your mental health and body and say no. Right now is not the time for you."
Bright has been a big advocate for mental health. She is an ambassador for Young Minds. She previously said this to BBC Sport: "Just kickstart that conversation to say, 'I'm struggling.' You don't have to be a superhero and save yourself. Someone else can do that."
But who can temporarily fill in the large shoes that Bright left on this England side?
Alex Greenwood has returned to the England squad just in time for the Euros after being injured for most of the season, and she is the most experienced option available.
Esme Morgan got her chance to prove her worth to the manager in the 6-0 win over Portugal, but she will likely start Greenwood. Then Morgan and Maya Le Tissier come on as subs to manage the City captain, not to push her too much and increase her chances of re-injury.
Both can cover full-back and centre-back. The other option is Lotte Wubben-Moy, who was called into the squad when Bright withdrew. However, she is not the first choice for the England manager and has not played many minutes for the country.
In the space of over a week England have lost three experience members who in total have 218 caps combined leaving gaps when it come sto leadership roles especially as Millie Bright is Vice-Captain to Leah Williamson and Mary Earps was Vice-Captain at the world cup in 2023
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