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Millie Bright, the captain of the England women’s national football team, is determined to carry forward the legacy of former England skipper John Terry, known for his fearless leadership style. As she leads the Lionesses in the World Cup, Bright is proud to embody the spirit and determination that Terry exhibited during his career.
Last summer, Bright served as the vice-captain under Sarina Wiegman’s leadership. For the current tournament, she inherited the captain’s armband from Leah Williamson, who was sidelined due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained in April.
Overcoming her own challenges, including a demanding rehabilitation process for a knee injury suffered in March, the defender from Chelsea underwent a rigorous recovery to ensure her fitness for the World Cup in Australia, where England is set to face Nigeria in the last 16.
Reflecting on Terry’s influence, Bright commented, “JT was a significant figure for me. His fearless demeanor on and off the pitch has always inspired me. He led by example, demonstrating through his actions rather than just words. This is a philosophy I strongly adhere to as well.”
Bright’s aspirations also extend to potentially assuming the Blues’ captaincy, a role left vacant following Magda Eriksson’s departure to Bayern Munich after nearly six years with Chelsea. Notably, John Terry’s recent return to Chelsea as part of the club’s academy adds to the possibility of more interactions between him and Bright.
Emma Hayes, the manager of Chelsea women’s team, serves as a mentor to Bright. With a wealth of experience in her role, Hayes offers guidance in navigating the challenges of the game and maintaining consistent performance. Bright emphasized the importance of habits and self-training in achieving success both on and off the pitch.
As England begins their journey in the knockout stage of the World Cup against Nigeria, Bright remains focused on her goals. The Lionesses’ narrow victories over Haiti and Denmark drew attention, while their convincing win over China silenced doubters. Bright, however, remains shielded from external criticism, deliberately avoiding social media and channeling her energy towards her team’s objectives.
In the face of opinions and challenges, Bright maintains her level-headed approach and prioritizes the perspectives of her team, squad members, and staff. With a strong foundation of determination and leadership, she is poised to continue John Terry’s legacy and lead the Lionesses to new heights in the World Cup.
