“I’ve been weighing this up for a long time,” Bright said on Monday’s ‘The Rest is Football: Daly Brightness’ podcast that she presents with former England star Rachel Daly.
“It’s one of those decisions no-one can make for you. It’s a feeling and I’m at peace with it.
“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 yeah, it’s time. It’s the right time for me to call it a day with England.
“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.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman paid tribute to Bright, saying: “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.”
Bright was a key member of the England team who won Euro 2022, starting every game of the tournament.
England saw off Germany 2-1 in the final at Wembley. A peak television audience of more than 17 million watched that match in the UK, establishing a number of the players as household names.
Bright was then the England captain a year later as Wiegman’s team reached the Women’s World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain in Australia.
Chelsea captain Bright has also had a phenomenally successful club career, helping The Blues to win a host of trophies, including the last six Women’s Super League titles.
Bright had knee surgery and started counselling sessions over the summer, saying her decision to withdraw from the England squad was “by far the best decision I have ever made”.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/10/13/image-1e978aa3-3258-43db-a553-3e8344f8f093-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Millie Bright celebrates European Championship victory for England in 2022
Image credit: Getty Images
“Having the summer to reflect, fix my knee and get my head straight really put things into perspective,” Bright added.
“As you get older your priorities change. I’ve been craving family time, time with friends and time for myself.”
Bright made her international debut in September 2016, replacing Karen Carney as a late substitute in a 2-0 win against Belgium.
Her last appearance for England also came against Belgium, a game The Lionesses lost 3-2 in April.
She will continue now to focus on her club career, with Chelsea top of the WSL table after six games played.
