England's Millie Bright retires from international football

Millie Bright was hailed as an England "legend" after announcing her retirement from international football on Monday.

Bright won 88 caps for England after making her debut in 2016 and played a key role in their Women's European Championship triumph in 2022.

She also captained England to a World Cup final defeat against Spain the following year.

The 32-year-old revealed her decision to retire from the international stage on her podcast "Daly Brightness", which she co-hosts with former England team-mate Rachel Daly.

"The reality of the last decade wearing the Three Lions has surpassed even my wildest dreams," the Chelsea defender said.

"It's been beyond special for me and I wish it could last forever. However, in football all good things must come to an end and with that I have decided to retire from international football."

Bright opted out of England's successful European Championship title defence in July because she was unable to "give 100 percent mentally or physically".

The Chelsea captain had knee surgery and started counselling sessions in the close-season after saying the decision to withdraw from Sarina Wiegman's squad was "by far the best decision I have ever made".

"It sounds cliche but it really is a feeling and when you're at peace with that decision, having the summer to reflect, get my head straight, fix my knee, really put things into perspective," she said on the podcast.

"As you get older your priorities change. Where I'm at now in life I've been craving family time, time with friends, time for myself. Something I've valued over the summer is having that time to fix me a little bit.

"I've played through every injury I've ever had, I think I got to a stage where I needed to fix my knee and make smart decisions."

Bright's retirement comes on the eve of Wiegman's squad announcement for upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Australia in October.

The England boss paid tribute to Bright's contributions, saying: "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."

smg/nf