England manager Sarina Wiegman has admitted she hoped to include Millie Bright in her plans for the next World Cup cycle before the Chelsea captain unexpectedly announced her retirement from international football.
Bright, who led England to last year’s World Cup final, called time on her international career on Monday after earning 88 caps and establishing herself as one of the team’s most influential figures.
Speaking after naming her latest England squad, Wiegman revealed she had wanted Bright to remain part of her squad for the build-up to the 2027 Women’s World Cup but fully respected the defender’s decision to step away.
“Yes, of course I wanted that,” Wiegman said.
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“She’s still a very good player so I want her in the squad but I totally respect and understand the decision. She had been thinking about it very thoroughly.
“When a player makes a decision like this and has such an incredible career internationally, then it’s not appropriate to have that conversation trying to change her mind.”
The Dutch coach praised Bright’s leadership and impact on the squad, describing her as one of the cornerstones of England’s recent success.
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England manager Sarina Wiegman has admitted she hoped to include Millie Bright in her plans for the next World Cup cycle before the Chelsea captain unexpectedly announced her retirement from international football
|PA
“Off the back of the Euros we had a conversation. She told me she would retire from international football. She has been huge for us, for me, for the team, on and off the pitch,” Wiegman said.
“Even before I came in, she was a great personality and leader. I’m just really grateful to have been a little part of her journey. She’s had a massive influence.”
Bright’s retirement leaves a significant void in Wiegman’s squad, which already faces several absences through injury.
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Sarina Wiegman has nothing but positive things to say about England Lionesses icon Millie Bright
|PA
Captain Leah Williamson remains sidelined with a knee problem, while Chelsea forward Lauren James is also missing after sustaining an ankle injury during Euro 2025.
Both have yet to feature for their clubs this season.
Manchester City forward Lauren Hemp is another notable absentee, having picked up an ankle injury against Tottenham in September.
There is, however, positive news for Lucy Bronze, who has been recalled after recovering from a fractured tibia that she played through during Euro 2025.
The 33-year-old made her first appearance of the season as a late substitute in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
Wiegman’s latest squad includes several new and returning faces as she begins preparations for England’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Australia later this month.
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Millie Bright helped England win Euro 2022 before announcing her retirement
|PA
Arsenal’s 19-year-old centre-back Katie Reid earns her first senior call-up following a string of standout performances in the Women’s Super League.
Her club-mate Taylor Hinds, who joined Arsenal from Liverpool in the summer, is also included.
The 26-year-old previously represented England at youth level but was briefly aligned with Jamaica, featuring in a friendly defeat to France last year without playing a competitive match, leaving her eligible for the Lionesses.
Aston Villa midfielder Lucia Kendall, 21, also receives a first senior call-up after impressing since her summer move from Southampton.
Chelsea’s Niamh Charles returns following recovery from an ankle injury, while Manchester City’s Grace Clinton, who missed her club’s recent win over Liverpool with a knock, is included.
England face Brazil at the Etihad Stadium on October 25 before meeting Australia at Pride Park three days later. Both matches are part of Wiegman’s broader preparations as she looks to build on England’s triumph at Euro 2025 and begin shaping a new generation without one of her most trusted leaders.