Bright has been brave, but now Wiegman faces major questions

World Cup captain's withdrawal raises doubts about whether England are doing enough to support their players, writes Tom Garry

- Tom Garry

Millie Bright's decision to withdraw from selection for the European Championship this summer, partly to look after her mental health, is one of the most courageous acts an England player has made and might yet prove to have just as powerful an impact off the pitch as her performances have had on it.

Going to a major tournament for your country is every player's dream and therefore for Bright, who captained England in the 2023 World Cup final, to bravely risk criticism and sacrifice that opportunity because she has the self-awareness to know that - in her words - "the fans deserve more" than what she can offer is sad for the Lionesses, but it should also serve two higher purposes.

First, it should be a wake-up call to the sport that an elite player who has just won a domestic treble feels so fatigued after a long season for club and country that she is "not able to give 100% mentally or physically". Does women's football have too many international windows? Does the game offer enough support for players' wellbeing? And have Chelsea and England rotated and rested players such as Bright sufficiently in the past few years?

Second, it should offer anybody else who is not feeling fully fit mentally the reassurance that they are not alone and that - ultimately - nothing is more important than your health. Sport would be a much healthier place if more athletes felt empowered to make the difficult decision that Bright has taken.