Defender Millie Bright says that her experiences playing for Doncaster Rovers Belles at the start of her career were massive in making her the player that she is today.
The 28-year-old returns to The Keepmoat Stadium this evening as England captain with the Lionesses facing Latvia in their latest FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 qualifier.
Bright spent five years with The Belles before moving to current club Chelsea where she has won every domestic honour and has featured in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
When speaking to the media ahead of this evening’s game in Doncaster, Bright reflected on her time as a Belle. She said that some of the experiences with the club were tough but ultimately, they have made her the player that she is today.
“I’ve suffered some big losses at The Keepmoat, some heavy, heavy defeats,” Bright said. “I remember my dad driving me all the way back up from down south from my holiday and we got beat 8-0 and we had to drive all the way back then a week later, we suffered another 8-0 defeat and we had to drive all the way back.
“It is those games and those experiences that make you the player that you are today and I truly believe that. It is about never staying down when you get knocked down, it is about getting back up and fighting back.
“For me, looking back at The Keepmoat, that was my first experience of playing in a big stadium, that’s when the dream started really in terms of one day wanting to be playing in a big stadium in-front of a big crowd, let alone leading the England team out and having that opportunity.
“It has been a rollercoaster of a journey but to be going back there and leading the girls out in-front of my family and the people who were there at the start will be a moment that will last forever.”
England have played in big arenas in the form of St Mary’s Stadium, Wembley and The Stadium of Light so far in their qualifying campaign. While The Keepmoat Stadium is much smaller than the venues that the Lionesses have been used to, Bright is expecting the crowd to make some real noise.
She said “It will be incredible. From the crowds that I witnessed at Doncaster, they were always loud, bubbly, friendly and really supportive of the women’s game. I am really excited to see the turnout for an England game.
“It is going to be a little bit smaller but hopefully, the atmosphere is going to be a lot louder and you can feel a bit more of a connection with the fans. The fans have been incredible so far so I’m excited to see what the northern fans bring.”
The FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 qualifier between England and Latvia in Doncaster kicks-off at 7pm. Tickets remain on sale and can be purchased by clicking here or by visiting the box office at The Keepmoat Stadium.