Chelsea's Millie Bright opens up on England…

Chelsea's Millie Bright opens up on England competition as Lionesses close on Arnold Clark Cup

Chelsea defender Millie Bright believes the competition for places within the England squad is one of the biggest factors behind the Lionesses' success.

Sarina Wiegman's side are in pole position to retain the Arnold Clark Cup after triumphing over both South Korea and Italy in this year's tournament. Across the last two games, all of the outfield players in Wiegman's 26-player squad have been afforded minutes as the manager tries to determine who will earn a spot at this summer's World Cup.

But while competition is fierce, Bright has explained how the wealth of talent within the England ranks can only be a good thing as the Lionesses gear up for women's football's showpiece event and bid to replicate their EURO 2022 heroics at another major tournament.

"I think we’ve always had (competition)," she said. "I think we’re a very competitive group and I think we all know in order to be successful we have to challenge each other.

"That’s every day in training and that’s what allows us to perform and keep growing as a squad."

Over the course of the season there has been plenty of debate over where on the pitch Bright's teammate, Rachel Daly, should operate for the Lionesses.

Daly, who has been in frightening goal-scoring form for club side Aston Villa this term, is often deployed at left-back by Sarina Wiegman, though the 31-year-old netted twice when given the chance to play in her conventional No. 9 role in England's 2-1 win over Italy last Sunday.

"I think we also know what Rachel is capable of but I think she’s also very versatile and I think it’s key to have that in the squad," Bright said.

"She’s a player that is very willing and she’ll literally play anywhere. I think she’s said that a million times. But of course I like to see her succeed and do well and I think that’s the beauty of having the squad that we have. Ultimately we want everyone to be at their best and go on to do great things."

England will close out their Arnold Clark Cup campaign against Belgium on Wednesday night. A draw would be enough to see the Lionesses claim victory in the tournament, with Belgium - who have also won their previous two games - behind England on goal-difference.

And although Ives Serneels' side failed to qualify for the World Cup, Sarina Wiegman is expecting a stern test when the Lionesses travel to Bristol City's Ashton Gate stadium.

"They have played well. They played really well at the Euros. They just missed out for the World Cup but they have a pretty recognisable style of play," she said.

"It’s organised. They have of course some very good players. They had of course some troubles with injury which is very disappointing for them.

"We expect that we’ll be in possession a lot but they can also give us challenges if we give them the opportunity."

READ NEXT:

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here