Defender Millie Bright recalled to England squad after lengthy injury lay-off; Euros holders continue 2025 qualifying campaign with double header against France, hosting Herve Renard's side on May 31 before travelling to Saint-Etienne on June 4; Lionesses also face ROI and Sweden in July
Tuesday 14 May 2024 12:51, UK
Defender Millie Bright will return to the England fold for back-to-back Euro 2025 qualifiers against France, as well as games against Republic of Ireland and Sweden in July.
Vice captain Bright has been recovering from a lengthy knee injury but recently returned to competitive action for Chelsea, having not featured for England since last October.
She is joined by uncapped Blues team-mate Aggie Beever-Jones, chosen as the forward to replace Rachel Daly, who announced her retirement from international football in April.
The 20-year-old has scored 11 goals and registered two assists in 15 Women's Super League appearances for Chelsea this season.
Sarina Wiegman has named a 24-player squad, with four on the standby list, which includes Liverpool midfielder and England U23 captain Missy Bo Kearns.
The group will take part in two training camps over this summer's international windows, with a two-week rest period sandwiched between.
Speaking about scheduling difficulties, and the widely documented issue of player fatigue, Wiegman said: "We've known this calendar for a while now and it's very challenging.
"It's different, we have to find a way with our approach, but it's hard. We've had many good conversations with clubs because we all know players need rest, but to compete, we also have to train. Players will come into training camps in stages.
"We have to listen to our players, we're in a professional environment. We need a balance between competing and rest, because it's very intense. We want to make decisions that help the players, but also have to trust the players to make the right decisions for themselves."
Speaking about Bright's inclusion for the first time this year, the Dutchwoman said: "I'm very happy. She's had a long period of injury and rehab. It's very good for the team and a great boost."
Detailing reasons for Beever-Jones' first involvement, she added: "Aggie has had a great improvement this season. She's an open person, she really wants to develop. I'm hoping she comes in and just wants to play, because she's very versatile."
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