- Bright unavailable for the friendly against Portugal
- Still recovering from the knee surgery
- Integral for Lionesses with Williamson out with ACL
WHAT HAPPENED? Bright is yet to recover from the injury she picked up with Chelsea during the past season. The Euro winner has been out since March following a knee problem that needed surgery and is not looking to rush her return as she hasn't trained with the squad yet.
WHAT THEY SAID: "The knee’s really good," the 29-year-old told reporters on Tuesday. "I think it’s hard for everyone on the outside because today was the first time you’ve seen me out on the pitch but I’ve actually been out there since the first camp. I’ve just been training individually, ticking the boxes to prepare me for when I can return to the team.
"I think Saturday will be a little bit too soon. I’m not back with the girls and I don’t want to rush that. Obviously, we have a lot of time until the first game. I’m gutted not to make that one but at the same time, I’m exactly where I want to be."
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The availability of the Chelsea star is key for Sarina Weigman's side as they have already lost their captain and starting centre-back, Leah Williamson, due to an ACL injury earlier in the season. Williamson's Arsenal team-mate and winner of the Euro 2022 Golden Ball, Beth Mead, will also be out of the World Cup due to an ACL tear.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND? Wiegman's side will face Portugal in a send-off friendly on Saturday, July 1, in Milton Keynes. They are up against Haiti, Denmark and China as a part of Group D at the World Cup.