‘WSL GOT BOOSTER FROM COVID HALT’
MILLIE BRIGHT says the strength of the Women’s Super League can propel England to Euro glory.
Chelsea’s defender believes standards have been raised domestically following the break for Covid and the time is right for the Lionesses to smash through the international glass ceiling.
The squad reached the World Cup semi-finals under previous manager Phil Neville and expectations are high under new Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman.
Bright said: “The game almost had a rebirth after Covid.
“That taught me not to take things for granted.
“We all missed the games so much that we wanted to get back and do well.
“And we all hit new levels. Last season was the highest level of women’s football anyone has seen in the game. Now, we want to
translate that into England – which I think we can.”
England will expect to qualify from a group containing Austria, Norway and Northern Ireland. And they are second favourites outright behind Spain.
Bright is convinced it is within the squad’s capabilities to go further than they did in France three years ago.
She said: “As footballers you do think about finals or semi-finals that you lose. It gives you motivation and that little bit of fire when you need it.
“You might be a little bit tired, but that gets you over the hill. For us this is a massive opportunity.
“It’s there for the taking. It’s going to be one hell of a tournament and every national team is in a really good place, so it won’t be easy.
“But we have our fans behind us and they’ll make a difference.”