England's Millie Bright announces retirement from international duty

England's defender Millie Bright has declared her retirement from international football on Monday.

She earned 88 appearances for the Lionesses since her debut in 2016 and was instrumental in their victory at the Women's European Championship in 2022.

Bright also led England as captain to the World Cup final in 2023 where they fell short against Spain.

The 32 year old shared her choice to step away from the international scene on her podcast "Daly Brightness" co hosted with her former teammate Rachel Daly.

"The past ten years representing the Three Lions have exceeded my boldest expectations" stated the Chelsea defender.

"It has been exceptionally meaningful to me and I would have loved for it to continue indefinitely. Yet in football everything worthwhile eventually concludes and so I have chosen to retire from international play."

Bright decided to skip England's triumphant defence of the European Championship title in July as she could not commit fully either mentally or physically.

The Chelsea skipper underwent knee surgery and commenced counselling during the off season after describing her withdrawal from Sarina Wiegman's squad as "the finest choice I have ever made".