Now it's time to defend our trophy - Bright

Millie Bright was recalled to the England squad in May for the first time since October after recovering from a knee injury

England defender Millie Bright said "now it's time to defend our trophy" after the Lionesses qualified for Euro 2025.

Sarina Wiegman's side secured their place in next year's tournament in Switzerland with a goalless draw against Sweden in Gothenburg.

It means England end their qualifying campaign with three wins, two draws and one defeat as they finished second in the group, one point behind leaders France.

The Lionesses knew they would earn the chance to defend their European crown if they managed to avoid defeat against Sweden, and, while it was a nervy display, Bright said "ultimately we got over the line".

"The qualifiers have been extremely tough," she added. "We have been challenged in more ways than one.

"We are extremely proud. We showed our fight and resilience. We know what it means to qualify for this tournament and now it's time to defend our trophy."

Chelsea's Bright, who captained England to the World Cup final last summer, missed more than five months of last season through injury but looked back to her best as the Lionesses put in a solid defensive display in Sweden.

After the full-time whistle, she spoke of her relief at securing automatic qualification and avoiding the play-offs.

"It's always a relief when you've had a bit of a tough time and performances haven't gone our way at times.

"Now we have a little bit of time off and then it's time to hit the road running, put the hard work in and make sure that come the start of the tournament we are in the place we want to be.

"We have a good chunk of time to work on everything we want to work on. It's not about being ready now, it's about being ready come the start of the tournament."

England are one of nine teams to have secured automatic qualification to Euro 2025, with the remaining seven spots to be decided by the play-offs.

Those games will be played between 23-29 October and 27 November-3 December, with the final draw for the tournament taking place on 16 December.