England and Chelsea defender Millie Bright has undergone minor knee surgery, just a day after confirming her unavailability for this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland.

The 31-year-old announced her withdrawal from England contention on Wednesday, citing her inability to contribute fully on a mental or physical level.

“I’m not able to give 100 per cent mentally or physically,” Bright said in a heartfelt message to fans.

On Thursday, the veteran centre-back posted an update on Instagram, sharing a photo of her bandaged left knee and writing:

“Successful op. Road to recovery begins.”

Chelsea later released an official statement, confirming the procedure and pledging their support throughout her recovery:

“Chelsea can confirm defender Millie Bright has today undergone minor knee surgery. Millie will begin a period of rehabilitation with the support of the club’s medical department.”

Bright has been an integral figure for both club and country, amassing 88 caps for England since making her senior debut in 2016. She was instrumental in the Lionesses’ historic Euro 2022 triumph and captained the side during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

Her absence adds to an already challenging period for manager Sarina Wiegman, who has also lost two other key players — Mary Earps and Fran Kirby — following their recent international retirements.

Speaking on Thursday after naming her 23-player squad for the Euros, Wiegman expressed her disappointment at Bright’s withdrawal.

“Over the last couple of days, we found out [about Millie’s decision], and it’s sad and disappointing,” she said. “It is not nice when someone doesn’t feel well mentally, and we all hope she gets better soon.”

“What we’re all trying to do is perform at the highest level, recover, and then do it all over again — that’s the intensity of top-level football. There are big games, and that’s what the players strive for.”

“We provide as much support as we can off the pitch to help players feel in a good place, but unfortunately that’s not always enough. Millie absolutely would have been part of the squad.”

England will begin their title defence on 5 July in Zurich against France, as they look to retain the trophy they famously lifted under Wiegman’s guidance three years ago.