England captain Millie Bright ruled out of crucial UEFA Nations League double-header through injury

Millie Bright has been ruled out of England’s crucial UEFA Nations League fixtures next month through injury.

The 30-year-old, who has been captaining the Lionesses in the absence of the also-injured Leah Williamson, has pulled out of the squad for the matches against the Netherlands and Scotland.

Bright missed Chelsea’s encounter against Paris FC in the UEFA Women’s Champions League on Wednesday, with Emma Hayes attributing her absence to a knee injury she picked up before the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

“Preparation going into the World Cup wasn't ideal,” Hayes said. “She probably rushed herself back, and she's also come back after the World Cup and quickly into the Chelsea season. Perhaps she needed a little bit longer.

“Her knee is a little bit angry at the minute. It is not anything too detrimental. We're just listening to her body. We're going to take decisions on a day-by-day basis."

Bright will remain with Chelsea and undergo further assessment from the club's medical department.

She has been replaced by Manchester United defender Millie Turner for the fixtures, which will determine whether Team GB will compete in the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Lionesses are currently third in their UEFA Nations League group, behind the Netherlands and Belgium.

To have any chance of finishing top of their group and booking Team GB's place at the Olympics, England must win both of their final matches. They will also have to hope that other results go their way.

First up is the Netherlands at Wembley on December 1, followed by Scotland at Hampden Park on December 4.

Turner has been involved in England senior squads before, but is yet to be capped. She has featured for her country’s under-23 and under-19 sides.

The 27-year-old has impressed in the Women’s Super League this season, starting all seven of Manchester United’s matches.

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