Sometimes, even national heroes need to take a step back—and that’s exactly what Millie Bright is doing this summer.
The Chelsea captain and former England skipper has announced that she won’t be joining the Lionesses for their upcoming campaign.
And while she mentioned burnout and exhaustion, sources say there’s something much more personal behind her decision: heartbreak.
A Tough Split Behind the Scenes
According to those close to her, Millie’s decision to step away may have been deeply influenced by the end of her engagement to fitness trainer Levi Crew.
The two had built a life together in Surrey, with close ties between their families.
She once called him her “king” and even tattooed his eye on her arm—a permanent symbol of their bond that had even appeared in official squad photos.
But now, fans have noticed the clues. Her social media has been wiped of any mention of Levi, and even the joyful engagement post is gone.
The split, believed to have happened earlier this year, left Millie “heartbroken,” say insiders.
From Captain to Caretaker—Of Herself
Millie’s had an incredibly intense season as captain of Chelsea.
The club pulled off a domestic Treble, but also endured a painful 8–2 Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
The pressure has been immense—and Millie’s finally decided to put herself first.
Opening up on her podcast Daly Brightness, which she co-hosts with fellow Lioness Rachel Daly, she got real about the emotional weight of the past few months.
“It was a really big and tough decision,” she said.
“But sometimes in life, not just in football, you have to make decisions that are best for you.”
Choosing Happiness Over Heroics
Millie made it clear that this wasn’t about not wanting to represent England—but more about not being in the right headspace to do it justice.
“Right now, I just don’t feel 100% mentally or physically able to compete in a tournament.
It would be selfish to take a spot from someone else when I’m not all there.”
Instead, she’s decided to use the summer to reset—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Her goal? Just to feel like herself again.
She added that she’s fully behind the team and will be their “number one supporter.”
The Tattoo Dilemma
There’s also a more awkward, personal reminder lingering on her forearm: the tattoo of Levi’s eye.
Speaking previously about it, she described it as “my partner’s eye and half a tiger—my core strength with me through thick and thin.”
Now that the relationship has ended, the once-meaningful ink might bring a different kind of pain.
A Wave of Lioness Exits
Millie’s decision comes at a tricky time for England boss Sarina Wiegman, who’s watching her squad shrink.
Just last week, goalkeeper Mary Earps shocked fans by retiring from international football.
Then came Fran Kirby’s emotional announcement on Tuesday that she too was stepping away—just three years after helping win Euro 2022.
Now, with Bright also stepping back, the Lionesses will be missing three key figures when Wiegman announces her squad for next year’s tournament.
Burnout After a Brutal Season
The 2024–25 campaign has been brutal for Millie.
Despite Chelsea’s dominant run under new head coach Sonia Bompastor, the team fell short of European glory.
And while they made history at home, the physical and emotional toll on Bright was clearly too much.
Last week on her podcast, she hinted that this moment was coming.
“Mentally and physically, I’m at my limits,” she told Daly. “Sometimes you just have to take that time for yourself.
You have to value your mental health and body.”
Time to Heal and Rebuild
For now, Millie Bright is taking a much-needed pause—from football, from public pressure, and from heartbreak.
She’s choosing peace over performance, healing over hustle.
And while fans will surely miss seeing her in England colours this summer, there’s also deep respect for the strength it takes to step away.
She may not be on the pitch—but she’s still in the game. Just a different one, for now.