Lucy Bronze says priority for England players is to 'be there for Millie Bright'

Lucy Bronze said want to offer support to as the defender takes time away from the squad for a period of recovery which she called "brave".

Last week, Bright revealed on an episode of her podcast with fellow football player Rachel Daly that she was “at her limits” mentally as well as physically, which was why she was not training with the England squad ahead of this summer's Euros.

Bright explained: “That is a really hard decision but I think you know better than anyone as well — sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.”

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She said that it was important to sometimes “breathe and take a step back”, and to “value yourself and your mental health and body”.

Speaking at a match against Spain, in which the Lionesses are hoping to win to make it to the Nations League finals, Bronze addressed her missing teammate.

She said: “Millie’s a really big personality, a big player for England and obviously for Chelsea. She’s missed, definitely in the sense of what she brings, both on and off the pitch, she’s one of the leaders in the team. Not just because she’s the oldest but because of her experience, her attributes as a person.”

Bronze explained that the team had all spoken to Bright throughout the week and offered support. “We want to make sure that she’s okay, both physically and mentally,” she said.

The fellow Chelsea player said that Millie was “quite tough” and can “hold a lot in”, adding: “So I know it’s been brave for her to come out and speak. From a friend's perspective, I just want her to be okay, and give her as much time as she needs to feel okay again.”

Bronze also touched on the strength of the connections made within the team. “Many of us have reached out just to check on her, as friends more than just teammates, and Millie knows she’s always connected to the team - the same as any Lioness, past, future and present.”

Also missing from the squad in Barcelona this week for the Nations League game is Lauren James, who is currently out with a hamstring injury.

However, Sarina Wiegman didn’t rule out James appearing during the Euros tournament this summer, saying: “We think she can make a difference in the Euros. But she needs to be healthy, she needs to recover. I’m pretty positive that’s going to work,” she said.

Tottenham’s Ella Morris is also out after sustaining an ACL injury in her right knee during a training session with England.

She will undergo surgery before beginning the rehabilitation process, her club confirmed.

Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood recently returned to the Lionesses after they both underwent knee surgery.

The Euros squad for this summer is yet to be announced, but Wiegman confirmed during the conference that she was "pretty close".