Millie Bright: How the England defender left her mark on the Lionesses

Bright’s understanding of England’s starring role began when she played in five of their six matches at the 2019 World Cup on their way to the semi-finals.

She was sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the semi-final against the United States – a match that hinted at future success for England, albeit one that ended on a sour note for Bright personally.

A mainstay under former coach Phil Neville, Bright was among those who set out to lead England to a major final, only to fall short, as interest in the women’s game was slowly building.

They were far from selling out their fans at Wembley Stadium and were still struggling for basic resources at club level, but they formed one of the teams that began to pose questions to the victorious United States.

However, it was in 2022 when Bright cemented her place in Lionesses history and had her most important year for her country.

Together with captain Williamson, they formed an impenetrable partnership in the European Championship, guiding a young and talented England side to success.

She was undoubtedly one of the stars although she did not dominate the headlines the way Chloe Kelly, Beth Mead or Mary Earps did.

A commanding presence, who usually excelled in one-on-one duels, Bright was often Wegman’s go-to person off the pitch, even acting as a presenter on occasions when it was needed – most notably by being named joint top scorer in the inaugural Arnold Clarke Trophy in 2022, sharing the Golden Boot award with then Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas.

As vice-captain, she was a loud voice in the locker room, an important part of Wegman’s leadership group and someone young players often turned to for advice.

She was seen as one of the group’s pranksters, and was usually found near her best friend Rachel Daly or in the middle of a TikTok dance with Mary Earps.

In the wake of England’s Euro 2022 win, they have become a household name among casual viewers and have shouldered the weight of responsibility ahead of the 2023 World Cup in Williamson’s absence, knowing that outside expectations have increased tenfold.

Off the pitch, she has become a fierce advocate for mental health support and was among those who played a key role in calling on the Lionesses to achieve equal access to football for girls in schools following their success at Euro 2022.