Sarina Wiegman names Millie Bright as the England captain for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Millie Bright has spoken of her honour at being named England captain for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Latvia.

Sarina Wiegman has been without regular captain Steph Houghton (achilles) since taking charge and Leah Williamson, who has deputised in the last four games, is also out with a hamstring injury.

Chelsea defender Bright captained England in a friendly against Canada back in April, when Hege Riise was manager, but will now have the chance to wear the armband in a competitive fixture for the first time.

‘When Sarina told me, obviously, for me I think no matter what age you are, how many times you’ve done it before, it’s always going to be a huge honour,’ Bright said.

‘Representing your country, not only that, but then leading the girls out for this camp is obviously an exciting opportunity. But for me, nothing changes. The aims are still the same. Keep performing well and hopefully lead the team to two more victories.

‘I think with or without the armband. I always remain myself and the same Millie, the same player, the same person. 

Wiegman has been without regular captain Steph Houghton (achilles) since taking charge

Leah Williamson, who has deputised in the last four games, is also out with a hamstring injury

‘I like to lead by example, like I said, with or without the armband, keeping my standards high every day, and I’m just here for the team to do well, that’s the aim. I think we’ve all got that same mentality.’

Wiegman informed Bright she would be captain before Tuesday’s training session and the centre back admitted the news was unexpected.

‘We’ve actually taught her a new little phrase “little chit chat” and then she was like “can I take you for a chit chat” and then yeah, just asked me if I was happy to be captain for this camp and I was a little bit stunned at first.

‘We’ve got a lot of leaders and experience in the team and I was just very humbled and honoured to be given that opportunity.’

Bright captained England in a friendly against Canada back in April, when Hege Riise (right) was the manager

England’s second game against Latvia will be played at Keepmoat Stadium, home of Doncaster Rovers. Bright played for Doncaster Belles from 2009 to 2014, who previously played their fixtures at the men’s stadium, and is looking forward to going back to where it all started.

‘For me, looking back at the Keepmoat, that was my first real experience of playing in a big stadium and kind of that’s where the dream started really, in terms of one day will I be playing in a big stadium in front of a big crowd, let alone leading the England team out, having that opportunity.

‘It’s been a roller coaster of a journey and to be able to be going back there and leading the girls out in front of the people and my family that were there from day one, that is going to be a moment that will last forever and certainly one my family are going to be proud of.’