Millie Bright: Chelsea defender to captain England in World Cup qualifiers

Millie Bright about to kick a ballNurPhoto

Millie Bright replaces the injured Leah Williamson as captain

Chelsea defender Millie Bright will captain England in their World Cup qualifiers this month.

Bright takes the Lionesses armband against Austria and Latvia on 27 and 30 November with Steph Houghton and Leah Williamson out injured.

Williamson replaced skipper Houghton after the defender's ankle problem, but was then sidelined herself.

"I was a little bit stunned at first. We've got a lot of leaders and experience in the team," Bright said.

"I was just very humbled and honoured to be given that opportunity."

England's match against Latvia will be held in Doncaster, where Bright used to play for the Belles before moving to Chelsea.

She added: "It's crazy, especially going back to a place that I hold close to my heart and where it all began for me really.

"To go back there and for my family to be in the crowd, just to be given that opportunity is one I'm very proud of."

Houghton's injury has meant Arsenal's Williamson has captained the side in all of new manager Wiegman's games so far.

Wiegman took the England reins for their first qualifier against North Macedonia in September, a match they won 8-0.

The former Netherlands boss has overseen a further three qualifying wins that have put her side top of Group D.

The Lionesses have a further four World Cup qualifiers next year.

Striker Ellen White goes into the qualifiers against Austria and Latvia on 44 England goals, two short of record-holder Kelly Smith.

The match against Austria will also be White's 100th cap and Bright said her England team-mates have "all got to be" for the Manchester City player this week.

"She's the best," Bright said.

"Ells is a true professional, she's worked extremely hard to get to where she is now and she fully deserves it.

"I've got all the confidence that she's going to keep breaking barriers and keep breaking records. She never settles, she's always pushing herself every day.

"She's the ultimate team player, she just wants the team to do well. She's coming up to these unbelievable achievements, but I can tell you Ellen's focus will purely be the team and that's just Ellen down a tee.

"She's all for everyone around her, but I think we've all got to be for Ells this week."

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