England and Chelsea Women defender Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football.
Bright made the announcement on her podcast 'The Rest is Football: Daly Brightness' that she hosts alongside former England team-mate Rachel Daly.
She said: "I've been weighing this up for a long time. It's one of those decisions no one can make for you. It's a feeling and I'm at peace with it.
"Having the summer to reflect, fix my knee and get my head straight really put things into perspective. As you get older, your priorities change. I've been craving family time, time with friends and time for myself.
"I'm incredibly proud and honoured to have played for England for so long. Every single cap has been special and the memories I've made have been some of the best of my life. But it's the right time for me to call it a day with England.
"People will probably ask why, and one, it's for myself. It's a decision I've made - one that I'm happy with. I watched in the summer and there wasn't one part of me that thought I'd made the wrong decision.
"Physically, I'm at that crossroads - can I be 50 per cent for each, for England and for Chelsea? I want to be all in. To give myself the best chance of doing that and be the best for my club, I probably need to rein it in a little bit.
"I'm really proud of my England career and just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for your support - especially over the summer. It's never an easy decision, but it feels like the right one."
Bright withdrew herself from selection for England's Euro 2025 squad, and watched on from home as the Lionesses' successfully defended their European title.
The centre-back had helped England to victory at Euro 2022, starting in every game, and captained the side to the 2023 Women's World Cup final in the absence of Leah Williamson.
Discussing her withdrawal and the timing of her retirement announcement, Bright added: "In all honesty, I wasn't even thinking about football in the summer. I'd not given a single thought about going to the Euros. I got surgery on my knee and that was my priority.
"I'd not even thought about retirement, which might be confusing for some, but it was so far at the back of my mind. I was just focusing on getting through each day and on my knee once I'd had surgery, and getting back.
"I just wanted to be healthy, physically and mentally. That was one of my hardest moments. I thought 'I'm going to take the summer, fix my head, fix my body, take a little bit of me-time' - which I've probably never done.
"I feel like I've had some really good time to be in a clear headspace. I'm probably in the best place I've been in a long time.
"I think it's always important to make these big decisions when you've got a clear mind, so that's why now is the right time. And that's why it's been now and not before, because before it wasn't even in my head. I didn't have any space left in my head to think about anything other than just getting through each day and fixing myself."
Bright made her international debut in September 2016, replacing Karen Carney as a late substitute in a 2-0 win against Belgium, and earned 88 caps in nine years.
Reflecting on her England legacy, Bright said: "I want my legacy to be about being a winner - a difference maker. Not just someone who was there, but someone who grabbed every opportunity with both hands and wanted to make change.
"I want to be remembered for what I did on the pitch too - someone who'd do anything for anyone, who was reliable, and who gave everything, heart and soul, every single game.
"But ultimately, I want to be remembered as a true Lioness, someone who represented her country in the right way."
The Lionesses also published their own farewell to the defender, with Sarina Wiegman adding: "Millie will forever be an England legend for what she has given to her country, and I could never have enough words to praise her impact during my time.
"Whether she had the armband or not, she is a true leader. I know how much respect there is for Millie within the game - not just because she has won so many trophies but because of the way she conducts herself.
"She has made such a big contribution to English football both on and off the pitch and we all have a lot to thank her for. Even though her playing time with the Lionesses may be over, I know she has so much more to give the game."
Bright retirement no surprise, but a big loss
Sky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui:
The news is not necessarily a huge surprise for anyone who has been following England for the last year, considering Mille Bright decided not to play at the Euros this summer. She's clearly taken the time to take stock of the situation and weigh up what's right for her.
She's 32 now, and looking at what she can achieve with Chelsea and what she might be able to offer England. She's a full-throttle player and always done everything to push herself physically and mentally. Maybe something has got to give.
England proved in the summer they are perhaps ready to take that leap without her but she will be a player that is hugely missed. Her leadership and defensive nous makes it a big loss for Sarina Wiegman - she wanted Bright at the Euros, and will have wanted her at the World Cup in two years too.
'Bright can retire knowing she gave everything'
Sky Sports' Izzy Christiansen:
"An England legend has retired, of course, it is a surprise. Following Millie Bright's journey over the last 12 months, we know she has spoken openly and honestly about her mental health and protecting herself, which is really brave.
"She has shown real leadership and self-awareness; she is at peace with her decision. It is not easy. She can retire from international football knowing she gave everything for the badge.
"She won major trophies, has been an incredible leader at the back and what she has achieved has been incredible. She can be so proud of what she has achieved.
"It opens up a gap for the youth coming through."
