Title: Millie Bright Returns to England Squad After Injury, Boosting Their Euro 2025 Qualifiers Campaign
Introduction:
England Women’s World Cup captain, Millie Bright, has made a triumphant return to the national squad after recovering from a knee injury. This comes as a significant boost for manager Sarina Wiegman, who will now be able to select her first-choice center-back pairing of Bright and Leah Williamson. The inclusion of uncapped Chelsea player Aggie Beever-Jones also adds depth to the squad for their Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Bright’s Return and Daly’s Retirement:
Millie Bright’s return to the England squad marks her first appearance since October, following a five-month absence due to injury. As the captain who led England to the World Cup final last summer, her return is highly anticipated and will provide a much-needed boost to the team’s defensive line. On the other hand, striker Rachel Daly’s retirement from international football in April came as a surprise to both fans and Wiegman. The England manager expressed her admiration for Daly’s decision, acknowledging the loss but also emphasizing the need to move forward.
The Emergence of Aggie Beever-Jones:
In light of Rachel Daly’s retirement, Sarina Wiegman has called up 20-year-old Aggie Beever-Jones as a replacement. Beever-Jones has had an outstanding season for Chelsea, scoring an impressive 11 goals in 15 Women’s Super League matches. Although she made her senior squad debut as a late replacement in February’s friendly against Austria, she did not play. With her inclusion in the squad for the Euro 2025 qualifiers, Beever-Jones has the opportunity to make her mark on the international stage.
The Standby List and Future Fixtures:
Sarina Wiegman has also named a standby list, which includes players such as Maya le Tissier, Missy Bo Kearns, Kayla Rendell, and Jess Naz. These players will be ready to step in if any of the selected squad members are unable to participate. Looking ahead, the Lionesses face crucial fixtures against France, the Republic of Ireland, and Sweden. These matches are vital as England aims to defend their European title in Switzerland next year.
Balancing Performance and Welfare:
Wiegman’s decision to name the squad for two upcoming international windows is aimed at providing clarity and support to the players after an intense season. The balance between performance and welfare is a priority for the team, considering the physical and mental toll that the players have endured. The England manager has emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and encourages those struggling to seek help and support.
Conclusion:
Millie Bright’s return to the England squad after a long injury layoff is a significant boost for the team’s Euro 2025 qualifiers campaign. Her partnership with Leah Williamson in defense will provide stability and experience. Additionally, the inclusion of Aggie Beever-Jones adds depth to the squad and presents an opportunity for the young Chelsea player to make her mark on the international stage. With crucial fixtures ahead, the Lionesses are focused on balancing performance and welfare, ensuring that the players are both physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.