Ellen White says Millie Bright will be ‘raring to go’ as England captain

Millie Bright will be a ‘true leader’ going into England’s first Women’s World Cup game, according to Ellen White.

There had been concerns whether the Chelsea defender would be fit in time for the clash with Haiti on Saturday.

An announcement was made this morning to confirm Bright would don the captain’s armband for the match.

She will lead the Lionesses in place of Leah Williamson who suffered an ACL injury in April.

White, who retired from the England squad last year, saw first-hand the impact of Bright’s leadership skills in the lead-up to the 2022 Euros final.

She told Metro.co.uk: ‘She has been part of the leadership group for a while. 

‘[Last year] Leah was captain, Millie was the vice-captain, I was the third vice captain. So I have first hand experience of her as a leader.

‘It’s the same with Chelsea really, she’s been vice-captain there for years. She was phenomenal at the Euros with performances on and off the pitch.

Millie Bright and Ellen White celebrate England’s 2-1 win over Germany during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final (Picture: Alex Livesey – UEFA/UEFA/Getty Images)

‘She’s a true leader, a true professional and I think she’ll be great for the team. It’s great to see her fit and raring to go.’

White was on punditry duty during the opening game of the Women’s World Cup, which saw co-hosts New Zealand win 1-0 over Norway.

The game took place after a fatal shooting in Auckland in which three people died, including the gunman.

White continued: ‘It was so devastating what happened in New Zealand that morning.

‘The players came together and Ali [Riley, defender and captain] spoke so beautifully about wanting to give the country something positive. It was such a lovely moment for their nation when they won.

‘Being a home nation does give you the extra edge. Australia have lost Sam Kerr, but still managed to scrape a win in their match.’

Ellen White imparted wisdom on some Lionesses in the making (Picture: Paul Harding/Getty Images for The National Lottery)

She visited the club to see the impact of National Lottery investment into women and girls’ football (Picture: Paul Harding/Getty Images for The National Lottery)

White spoke to Metro after enjoying a morning with a pack of potential future Lionesses at Actonians LFC in London.

The club has introduced two new teams since England’s Euros glory of last year.

New funding from the National Lottery is helping similar success stories be told up and down the UK.

White continued: ‘They’ve just started a new team recently, it’s incredible and all thanks to National Lottery players and that funding which has been so vital for grassroots football. 

‘£50 million of funding has been raised for women’s football in the past 10 years, it’s amazing.

‘It’s very different from when I was playing.

Young players were left starstruck after the visit from Ellen White (Picture: Paul Harding/Getty Images for The National Lottery)

‘There was no girls team in my area, I played for my local boys primary school team and local boys club.

‘I’m excited for the opportunity and accessibility of it all now. 

‘As England players and former players, we all take being a role model seriously and we want to leave a legacy for the next generation.

‘We want them to have access to sport and to feel the power of sport.’

National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for good causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. 

Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at: http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk#TNLAthletes #MakeAmazingHappen 

Come back tomorrow for an interview with Kelly Simmons on the impact of National Lottery funding and the wider opportunities in women’s football.

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‘She’s a true leader, a true professional.’