Millie Bright pulls out of England squad as Sarina Wiegman calls up replacement

24 November 2023 , 14:19

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Millie Bright has withdrawn from the England squad

Chelsea defender Millie Bright has withdrawn from the England squad ahead of two decisive clashes in the UEFA Women's Nations League.

It is a huge blow for Sarina Wiegman's side who, having already suffered defeats to Belgium and the Netherlands in the competition this term, risk failing to qualify for the tournament finals in February. The Lionesses currently sit third in Group A1, three points off group leaders Netherlands.

With only the team that finishes top set to advance to the Nations League finals, England must win when they host the Dutch at Wembley next Friday (December 1). The Lionesses will also need to topple Scotland at Hampden Park on December 5 if they are to secure qualification.

But they will have to do so without Bright, who will remain at her club while she recovers from a knee injury. The centre-back - who has been captaining England in the absence of the injured Leah Williamson - was absent from Chelsea's 4-1 victory over Paris FC in the Women's Champions League on Thursday evening.

Bright will be replaced in the squad by Manchester United defender Millie Turner, who is uncapped at senior level. The 27-year-old has been a consistent performer for Marc Skinner's side this season and has previously represented England at youth level.

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She will have to get up to speed quickly if England are to keep their Nations League dream alive. The four teams that qualify from the group stages will compete in semi-finals early next year, progressing to either the final or the third place play-off.

But, as well as being a competition in its own right, the Nations League also impacts qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, with the two finalists going through to represent Europe at the tournament next summer. However, as France have already qualified as hosts, should they reach the final then the team finishing third would instead receive the slot.

England, as the highest ranked British side, are the qualifying representatives for Team GB, meaning a number of Scottish players are reliant on England winning the group to have any hope of playing at the Olympics.

While Bright's absence is disappointing for England, Wiegman has been able to call up Arsenal star Beth Mead to her latest squad. Mead hasn't featured for the Lionesses for more than a year and missed the summer's Women's World Cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Beth Lindop