Who is England defender Millie Bright?

MILLIE Bright is hoping to lead the Lionesses to glory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Here we take a look at the defenders career and the club’s she has played for.

Who is England defender Millie Bright?

Millie Bright, born on August 21, 1993 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, is a professional footballer.

Bright, who plays as a defender, was first introduced to the sport at the age of nine while watching a friend play – and this led to her showcasing her credentials on the pitch.

As of July 2023, Bright is managed by Revo Sports Management – and FA licensed agency for male and female professional footballers.

What teams has Millie Bright played for?

Millie Bright has played for a number of clubs throughout her successful sporting career.

During her youth career, Bright played for Killamarsh Dynamos, a local team in Derbyshire and Sheffield United.

The footballer started out her senior career at Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009.

At her own request, Bright then went on loan to Leeds United in their 2011–12 FA Women’s Premier League season, before returning to Doncaster where she had developed into a regular first team starter.

At Doncaster she was shortlisted for the FA Women’s Super League 2 Player of the Year award in 2014, having excelled for the Belles as they narrowly missed out on promotion.

The defender remained at the club until 2014.

Bright then signed with London-based club Chelsea ahead of the 2015 season and has achieved great success ever since.

According to the club’s official website, the Chelsea player ”reads the game well, often starting attacks with a sweeping pass from the back and is a threat in the opposition box at set-pieces due to her stature” – and thunderous tackles are her calling card.

Bright has also enjoyed international success – representing England on the senior national team, as well as numerous youth national teams, including the under-19 and under-23 national team squads.

How long has Millie Bright played for England?

The Lioness made her England debut in 2016.

Bright earned her first cap for the senior England national team that year as a last-minute substitute in a 2–0 win over Belgium.

In May 2019, she was selected to represent England at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Bright was also included as part of the squad which won the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.

She has been described as one of the most experienced members of Sarina Wiegman’s squad due to her reliability and presence at the back.

Why is Millie Bright captaining the England team at the Women’s World Cup?

With the 2023 Women’s World Cup underway, all eyes are on the Lionesses – including captain, Millie Bright.

Bright is hoping to lead the team to their first World Cup win in the Fifa contest’s 32-year history, in the absence of Leah Williamson.

The Arsenal star’s hopes of leading the Lionesses were cruelly dashed by a knee ligament injury she suffered in April.

Opening up on the honour of leading the team, Bright said: “There was always going to be extra pressure. 

“This will be the biggest Women’s World Cup so far, the quality has gone up, the expectation goes up. 

“We have to keep two feet on the ground and know the challenge ahead will be bigger than any other tournament.”

Bright added: “I feel really grateful to be selected, let alone to be captaining the girls, it is a massive honour. 

“But for me nothing changes, I stay the same, I’d like to think people see the same Millie.

“I always lead for the team, that’s just natural to me. 

“I expect standards from the group, I see myself as the driver because I am so competitive.

“You have to keep pushing to be better year in, year out. You have younger players at a first tournament, you have to make sure they have everything they need. 

“We just want them to be excited to go out, have their best summer and play their best football.”

Speaking of her teammate Williamson, the footballer said: ”(I’m) Absolutely gutted (for Leah).

“Straight away I was just in shock that she had suffered such a severe injury. 

“I don’t think the captaincy crossed my mind at all, hand on heart. 

“Then I got my injury so my head was just fully on my rehab and trying to make the selection.

“That (the captaincy) was probably the last thing I thought of.

“You don’t want to see any player go through that injury. There are too many on that topic at the minute.

“We’ve had check-ins, to make sure Leah is alright – when you go through that, you need a team around you. 

“She’s also checked how I’ve been getting on, we’ve stayed in touch for sure.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk