England manager Sarina Wiegman wanted to select Millie Bright for this month’s friendly matches before the Chelsea defender announced her international retirement.
Chelsea captain Bright retired from international football on Monday after winning 88 caps and captaining the team to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
When asked if she wanted the 32-year-old to be part of England’s preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, Wiegman replied: “Yes, of course I wanted that.
“She’s still a very good player so I want her in the squad but I totally respect and understand the decision.
“She had been thinking about it very thoroughly. When a player makes a decision like this and has such an incredible career internationally, then it’s not appropriate to have that conversation [try to change her mind].
“Off the back of the Euros we had a conversation. She told me she would retire from international football.”
Bright was a key player for Wiegman, starting every game at Euro 2022 alongside captain Leah Williamson in central defence and leading the team in the Arsenal player’s absence in the World Cup the following year.
The England manager said the demands of the football calendar had influenced Bright’s decision to step away from the international game.
“I loved working with her. What she has done on the pitch and off the pitch as a leader is so incredible,” Wiegman told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I’m really grateful I had the opportunity to work with her and we really enjoyed it. We had some massive experiences together.
“I will never, ever forget those and really cherish those moments. We will always have something special. We will miss her.
“Making that decision is very brave when you feel like ‘OK, maybe it’s time’. She is still having a big impact with Chelsea. It is very intense. So she is not done.”
England face Brazil at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 25 October (17:30 BST) before playing Australia at Pride Park on Tuesday, 28 October (19:00 GMT).
