Sarina Wiegman’s Vision: Millie Bright’s Retirement Shakes Up England’s Squad Selection
Key Points
- Sarina Wiegman expressed a strong desire to include retired defender Millie Bright in her latest England squad, highlighting Bright’s enduring quality despite her international retirement on October 13, 2025.
- Bright, with 88 caps and a key role in the 2023 Women’s World Cup final, retired due to the intense demands of elite football, leaving a significant gap in the Lionesses’ defense.
- Wiegman’s squad for friendlies against Brazil (October 25, 2025) and Australia (October 28, 2025) blends experience with new talents like Katie Reid and Lucia Kendall.
- Injuries to key players like Leah Williamson and Lauren James challenge Wiegman’s plans, but Lucy Bronze’s return bolsters the team.
- The squad selection marks a transitional phase as England prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, balancing youth and experience.
A New Era Begins England’s Lionesses are entering a transformative phase under Sarina Wiegman, with the October 2025 squad selection signaling a shift toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The retirement of defensive stalwart Millie Bright, announced on October 13, 2025, has left a void, prompting Wiegman to integrate fresh talent while relying on returning veterans. With friendlies against Brazil and Australia looming, this squad reflects Wiegman’s vision for a dynamic, resilient team ready to build on past successes.
Bright’s Legacy and Wiegman’s Challenge Millie Bright’s departure marks the end of an era, but Wiegman’s inclusion of emerging stars like Katie Reid and Lucia Kendall shows a commitment to evolving the Lionesses. Despite injuries and absences, the squad’s blend of youth and experience positions England for a bright future on the global stage.
England’s Squad Selection: Navigating Bright’s Retirement and a New Cycle
Millie Bright’s Enduring Legacy
Millie Bright’s retirement from international football on October 13, 2025, closed a remarkable chapter for the Lionesses. With 88 caps, the 32-year-old Chelsea captain led England to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final and started every match at Euro 2022. Her leadership, particularly in the absence of Leah Williamson during the World Cup, was pivotal. Sarina Wiegman, speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, expressed her admiration: “She’s still a very good player… I loved working with her.” Bright’s decision, contemplated since before the 2025 European Championships, reflects the grueling demands of women’s football, balancing club and international commitments. Wiegman respected Bright’s choice, noting, “It’s very brave when you feel ‘maybe it’s time.’”
The Demands of Elite Football
The relentless schedule of women’s football, with overlapping club and international calendars, played a significant role in Bright’s retirement. Wiegman highlighted the intensity, stating, “It is very intense. She is still having a big impact with Chelsea.” Bright’s leadership, both on and off the pitch, leaves a lasting legacy, but her absence challenges Wiegman to rebuild England’s defensive core. The Dutch coach’s acknowledgment of Bright’s “incredible” contributions underscores the emotional and strategic weight of her departure as the Lionesses prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
A Transitional Squad Selection
Wiegman’s squad for the October 2025 friendlies—against Brazil on October 25 at Etihad Stadium and Australia on October 28 at Pride Park—reflects a team in transition. The return of Lucy Bronze, 33, after a fractured tibia sustained during the 2023 World Cup, is a major boost. Bronze’s recent substitute appearance for Chelsea against Tottenham signals her readiness. However, injuries to captain Leah Williamson (knee), Lauren James (ankle), and Lauren Hemp (ankle) pose challenges. These absences, stemming from injuries during or after the 2023 World Cup, open doors for new talent to shine.
Emerging Stars Step Up
Wiegman’s England squad selection introduces exciting prospects. Arsenal’s 19-year-old centre-back Katie Reid earns her first senior call-up, praised for her consistent Women’s Super League performances. “She’s a huge talent,” Wiegman said, excited to test Reid in the senior environment. Taylor Hinds, 26, who joined Arsenal from Liverpool, also joins the squad. Having played for Jamaica in a 2024 friendly, Hinds remains eligible for England, offering versatility as a left-footed defender. Aston Villa’s 21-year-old midfielder Lucia Kendall, a standout since her Southampton move, adds dynamism. Returning players like Niamh Charles and Grace Clinton, recovered from injuries, further strengthen the squad.
Strategic Vision for 2027
This squad, Wiegman’s first since the 2023 World Cup final, balances experience with youth. Veterans like Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, and Georgia Stanway provide continuity, while newcomers like Reid and Kendall signal a long-term vision. The friendlies against Brazil and Australia offer a chance to test new combinations and build cohesion. Wiegman’s experimental approach, as seen with Hinds’ inclusion, reflects a willingness to explore versatile options. “We want to see what she can bring,” Wiegman noted, emphasizing the new World Cup cycle’s opportunities.
Fan and Pundit Reactions
Bright’s retirement sparked an outpouring of gratitude from fans, with one supporter calling her “a true Lioness legend.” Pundits praised Wiegman’s bold squad choices, with one noting, “Reid and Kendall could be the future.” The excitement around new talent tempers the sadness of Bright’s exit, with fans eager to see how Wiegman shapes the team for 2027. The upcoming friendlies are seen as a critical step in this evolution, testing England’s depth against top opposition.
Why This Matters
Bright’s retirement highlights the evolving landscape of women’s football, where physical and mental demands push players to make tough choices. Wiegman’s squad selection demonstrates her adaptability, blending emerging stars with seasoned players to maintain England’s status as a global powerhouse. The friendlies will set the tone for the 2027 World Cup cycle, with the Lionesses aiming to build on their Euro 2022 triumph and 2023 final appearance.
Key Data: England Squad Selection (October 2025)
| Player Category | Key Names | Status/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Hannah Hampton, Anna Moorhouse, Khiara Keating | All available |
| Defenders | Lucy Bronze, Katie Reid, Taylor Hinds | Bronze returns; Reid, Hinds debut |
| Midfielders | Georgia Stanway, Lucia Kendall, Grace Clinton | Kendall’s first call-up; Clinton returns |
| Forwards | Beth Mead, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo | James, Hemp injured |
| Notable Absence | Millie Bright | Retired October 13, 2025 |
Looking Ahead
The friendlies against Brazil and Australia mark the start of England’s journey toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Wiegman’s squad, despite missing key players, showcases depth and potential. Bright’s absence is a loss, but the emergence of talents like Reid and Kendall, alongside Bronze’s return, offers hope. Wiegman’s ability to integrate these players will shape the Lionesses’ future, ensuring they remain a force on the global stage.
Key Citations
- Primary source: Sarina Wiegman’s BBC Radio 5 Live interview, October 2025.
- Primary source: England squad announcement, October 2025.
- Secondary source: Millie Bright’s retirement statement, October 13, 2025.
- Secondary source: Women’s Super League performance data, 2025.
- Secondary source: Fan and pundit reactions, October 2025.
