‘Emma and Sarina are very similar. We’re all very open and honest. It’s about staying on the goal ahead’, says Bright
MILLIE BRIGHT believes the Lionesses’ 2019 World Cup semis loss has given her ‘motivation and fire’ to succeed on the pitch.
And the England vice-captain sees similarities between Euros-winning boss Sarina Wiegman and her Chelsea chief Emma Hayes.
Bright, 28, is set to earn her 53rd cap for the Euros hosts.
The journey will begin with England – unbeaten in 14 games under Wiegman – facing Austria at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The last major tournament the centre-back played in was the World Cup in France three years ago under former gaffer Phil Neville.
The squad reached the competition’s last four before falling to a 2-1 loss to the United States who went on to win a fourth World Cup.
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When asked if she reflects on that defeat, Bright said: “As footballers, you think about finals or semi-finals that you lose, they always hang in there.
“It gives you motivation and that little bit of fire inside you when you need it.
“You might be a little bit tired and that gets you over the hill.
“It’s about staying on the journey and remaining on the goal ahead.”
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Under Wiegman Bright, who began her club career at the legendary Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009, has excelled in England’s backline.
Since last September the Lionesses have conceded just three goals in 14 games with Bright and her colleagues impressing.
Those goals occurred in duels with Canada, Spain, Germany, and Holland – four opponents ranked inside the world’s top 10.
It’s about seeing happy players, happy people and wanting to get the best out of us as a team
Millie Bright
Matches in which England notched up two draws and two wins with Germany trounced 3-1 in February and the Dutch crushed 5-1 at Elland Road last month.
Bright is a big fan of Wiegman’s coaching style and added: “She takes the emotion out of it.
“It’s analysing games and is more about what you do in that position as opposed to the individual.
“It’s never a comment to me directly as a person, more as a footballer and what’s best for the team.
“We’re all very open and honest. To be in the best football environment you have to be like that.
“But they are not really difficult conversations, just analysis.
“If you want to get from A to B you have to go up another level. It’s not personal, it’s football.”
England’s unbeaten run since September has seen Bright net five times for her country.
Goals include a stunning volley against Canada at the Arnold Clark Cup in February.
That effort was among the highlights of a trophy double-winning season for the Chelsea ace who helped Hayes’ Blues win a fourth FA Cup and their third consecutive league title.
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On the comparisons between Hayes and Wiegman, Bright said: “They’re really similar. I have a great relationship with Emma and again with Sarina.
“There’s no emotion in it again.
“It’s about seeing happy players, happy people and wanting to get the best out of us as a team and vice versa.”