Latest news with #RachelDaly
The Guardian
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
‘I want to put socks on without being in pain': Millie Bright on missing Euro 2025
'There's more than just England under consideration when it came to that decision,' says Millie Bright on stepping away from the Lionesses ahead of their European title defence. 'There's me being able to walk down the stairs after I've played 90 minutes of football, there's me in the future when I have children being able to walk around properly, being able to bend down and pick up toys, there's me being able to do normal life things like put on socks without being in pain and, for the first time in a long time, I genuinely didn't think about the response of the public because that just wasn't a priority.' Chelsea's Bright is discussing her decision to step back from this summer's Euros for her mental and physical health with the former England international and close friend Rachel Daly. The pair have recently launched a podcast that leans into the chemistry they have as friends. 'For the first time in a long time I'm not thinking about anyone else,' continues Bright. 'I'm actually thinking about myself and, to be honest, it sounds savage, I wasn't really bothered how the public would react. When you're in the spotlight sometimes you make decisions that are best for the people around you and in this situation it was a decision purely based on what's best for Millie: what's best for my mind, what's best for my mental health and what's best for my knee. I needed to get that surgery and I have to think about my longevity too and I have to think about competing next season for Chelsea in a jam-packed squad where my position could quite easily be taken away. 'I'm really grateful for the response and everyone that has said how brave it was and that it's allowed people to take a little bit of confidence for if they need to make that decision. As an athlete, first and foremost you are a human, you're not an object. We're not indestructible, we do break, our minds break, our bodies break, and I had to make a decision that was best for me in that moment.' Bright did not feel able to compete at her best and she felt there were others that could. 'There were other players that were 100% available mentally and physically, and they deserve to be at the tournament over someone that potentially can't give 50%, let alone 100%. I'm feeling good, though. I feel like I've really taken time to just focus on myself and the surgery went well. It was definitely a surgery that was needed, and I feel better in my mind and I'm ready to support the girls.' Bright's unavailability for England is temporary. Daly, meanwhile, knows what it is like to step away for good, the Aston Villa forward having retired from international football in April 2024. 'It's only been a year so I've only been away for a small number of international windows, particularly with no major tournament for England last summer, but being able to shut off mentally, having that switch off, but also being able to focus on individual sessions more specific to you with your club, is really refreshing,' she says. 'For me though, the most important thing is being able to spend time with my family, being able to do things that I never was able to do during my time as an international player. I can't take anything away from it, I'm beyond eternally grateful for my career with England, but I think all footballers will say when they know it's time, they know it's time, and I was happy to pass on that baton. You see people like Aggie [Beever-Jones] absolutely thriving in there now and it gives me joy to be able to watch her succeed.' Daly and Bright met around 15 years ago, in an England camp in Spain. They do not remember how they became close friends, it just happened. 'We always say that it's because we're both from Yorkshire, there's like a northern soul connection there,' says Daly. 'I heard you, you heard me and we were just like: all right, mate, let's be friends. And then we literally never left each other's side after that, did we?' 'No,' says Bright. 'We just got on like a house on fire. You know when you just understand someone and they understand you, without having to explain? We just get each other. It's just simple.' Their joint clothing venture, Daly Brightness, didn't quite take off but they knew they were onto something with the name, they knew they would do something with it, that there would be a Daly Brightness 2.0, then came the podcast. 'One rule we had was it had to be raw,' says Bright. 'Yes, there's always going to be a football element, that's how our friendship started, that's our careers, that's what we do, but for us the most important side was the rawness of me and Rach as people. We lift trophies, we win, we have these really nice lives, but we still go through a lot of shit and we still go through the highs and lows that every other human being goes through in the world, no matter what walk of life you're taking, 'I think sometimes the outside world can just think that we live these luxury lives and we're fine and we should tolerate all the shit that's thrown at us. But we don't have armour, my skin is the same as anyone else's skin, if you cut me I bleed like you, if you say things to me, eventually it's going to kind of take its toll, so we really wanted to give a glimpse into that side of our lives. That's the beauty of the podcast: there's a fun element, there's a therapy element, there's a football element, then there's the questions people ask and it has no filter.' Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion It is, ultimately, a way to give something back to fans, something that has become harder and harder to do as the game has grown. In the early days of social media, players could interact there, in the early days of the game's growth, they could sign every autograph pitchside. Now, crowds are too big to do that and social media is too toxic a place to delve. 'We've always been the type of people that want to connect with fans,' says Daly. 'It's very difficult after games to get around all the fans. There is still a high expectation of people in the women's games that you should stay behind and sign something for every single person. You can't do that. We haven't got the capacity to do that. Meanwhile, social media, I absolutely despise it, and I know Millie does too. If we didn't have to use it for work I don't think any of us would be using it right now, so it's nice to be able to engage with fans and give back to them in a different way.' Is watching the Euros difficult? Is there FOMO? 'It hasn't been difficult for me up to this point,' says Daly. 'Now I'm seeing all the Euros hype and it's bringing back nostalgic memories from when I was there in 2022 and this is the first time where I've probably felt a bit like: 'Oh, I miss that.' Equally, it's not coming from a place of envy. I'm just excited to be a fan and watch and see how well they do and obviously wish them all luck in the world. I hope they bring that bloody thing home.' Bright says she feels similarly. 'I'm really excited to watch it from a fan's perspective,' she says. 'As players, we never get to experience that. I'll be honest, I've not really been thinking of anything other than just getting back to 100% mentally and physically, but when you start seeing the girls are flying out to Switzerland and all that side of it brings back the memories and you're like: 'Oh God, I wish I was there.' But because I'm so drilled into myself and my mental state and my physical state I'm just really proud to be watching the girls and supporting them.' The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness is available to listen to now.
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Cheering on Lionesses at Euros ‘will help heal nation' says PM as he backs The Sun's grassroots football campaign
ENGLAND fans cheering on the Lionesses will help heal a divided nation this summer, Sir Keir Starmer hopes - as he backs The Sun's campaign to get kids into footie. He wished the squad good luck as they prepare to defend their title in the Euros next month in Switzerland. 6 6 6 Captain Leah Williamson handed the PM a shirt emblazoned with 'STARMER 10' at St George's Park. The PM said the Lionesses will help boost national pride after last summer was rocked by rioting. 'That's one of the amazing things about football,' he told The Sun. 'That sense of getting behind your country, being part of your country. 'It's a moment for the whole country to come together, but also for a legacy for the country.' He praised our Footie for All campaign helping to protect kids' clubs hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis. The drive, alongside Tesco, distributed 300k worth of grants to children's grassroots football. It was backed by England legends Millie Bright and Rachel Daly as well as Jarrod Bowen and Phil Foden. Sir Keir also revealed how his 14-year-old daughter had been inspired by the Lionesses. The PM said: 'I could see her getting drawn in because it was women's football, and she could relate to it in a different way.' It comes as ministers unveiled a major £900m fund to help grassroots sport and international events. It will mean more pitches, pools and changing rooms for villages and towns. Schools will also have to publish their sports clubs and activities for kids to shine a light on whether girls are getting the same access as boys. The PM praised the Lionesses for their campaign to get girls equal access to sport. And wished them good luck for the tournament: 'The whole country is behind you. 'Not only have you made history, but you have inspired the next generation to find a sport they love.' England and Wales face each other on July 13, at 8pm UK time, with both nations in Group D alongside France and the Netherlands. The Lionesses will face France on July 5 at 8pm, while Wales play the Netherlands at 5pm. On July 9, England will play the Netherlands at 5pm while Wales face France at 8pm. The semi-finals are set to take place on July 22 and 23 at 8pm UK time, with the final on July 27 at 5pm. The Lionesses made history when they beat old rivals Germany at a Wembley final 2-1 in 2022. PROUD OF BECKS Sir Keir congratulated David Beckham on his knighthood. The Prime Minister said he was really proud of the England legend - even though he didn't play for his beloved Arsenal. 'He's been an iconic footballer,' the PM told The Sun. 'Absolutely brilliant. 'Particularly in that England role, but also the other stuff that he's done since he's stopped playing football professionally." The footie legend, 50, became a 'Sir' in the King's Birthday Honours list. 6 6 6
ITV News
14-06-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Royal recognition for scores of people across the region
Dozens of people from across our region are being celebrated for their dedication and achievements in the Kings Birthday Honours . Almost ninety individuals have been recognised from high profile sporting figures to community heroes and tireless charity workers. Former triathlete Alistair Brownlee , who won gold at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games has been made an OBE for services to triathlon. Harrogate-born Rachel Daly , who retired from the national England team last year having represented England at Euro 2022 and scoring her first World Cup goal in 2023 when England reached the final, has received an MBE for her achievements in women's football. A stalwart and pioneer of the game in Bradford and beyond, Nasa Hussain's long commitment to cricket has been honoured with a British Empire Medal. As head groundsman at Bradford Park Avenue Cricket Club, he has been instrumental in its redevelopment and . In Ilkley there is recognition for Professor Becky Malby for services to clean river campaigns. She is the founder of the Ilkley Clean River Group as well as the Ilkley Pool and Lido Community Group.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lioness and pottery owner among honour recipients
A footballer and ceramics industry leader have been named among the Staffordshire recipients in the King's Birthday Honours list. Lioness Rachel Daly, from Tamworth, and Emma Bridgewater, owner of the eponymous Stoke-on-Trent-based pottery firm, were appointed MBE and DBE respectively. Daly, who currently plays for Aston Villa, received the honour for services to Association Football, having been part of England's victorious Euro 2022 campaign. The striker has 84 international appearances and also holds the Women's Super League's joint record for the most goals in a season with 22. Ms Bridgewater was honoured for her services to ceramics having founded Emma Bridgewater Pottery in 1985. The firm currently employs about 230 people at its factory on Lichfield Street, in Hanley, and the company produces 1.9 million pieces of pottery every year. She was previously appointed CBE in 2013 for services to British industry. Other Staffordshire honours include British Empire Medals (BEMs) for foster parents Elisabeth and Gavin Brownlees, an MBE for ice hockey player Saffron Lane and a BEM for volunteer fireman Andrew Buttery. Councillor Ian Cooper, leader of Staffordshire County Council, congratulated the county's recipients and thanked them for their contributions. "Staffordshire is a county rich in human talent and I am delighted to see residents' abilities, hard work and achievement recognised in this way," he added. Emma Mary Bridgewater, founder of Emma Bridgewater Pottery, is appointed a DBE for services to ceramics Sean Allen Whinray, of Stafford, senior support officer at the Staffordshire Lieutenancy, is appointed an MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order) for services to the Crown Michael Charles Mellor, of Cannock, coordinator of the Miners Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, is appointed an OBE for services to heritage and to recognition of the mining community Dr Diane Swift, of Burton upon Trent, a trustee of The Creative Learning Partnership Trust, is appointed an OBE for services to education Prof Sharon Arkell, of Burntwood, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton, is appointed an MBE for for services to higher education Rachel Daly, of Tamworth, is appointed an MBE for services to association football John Ian Davies, of Stafford, Associate Professor of Biomedical Science Practice at Staffordshire University, is appointed an MBE for services to the NHS diagnostic pathology service and biomedical science education Saffron Fern Lane, of Pattingham, lately captain of the GB Women's Ice Hockey team, is appointed an MBE for services to sport Graham Lee, of Tamworth, Chair of the Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust Ltd, is appointed an MBE for services to heritage railway preservation and charity Gareth Brian Moss, of Alrewas, Chair of Trustees for the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust, is appointed an MBE for services to education Elisabeth Brownlees, of Tamworth, a foster carer for the Birmingham Children's Trust, is awarded a BEM for services to foster care Gavin Brownlees, of Tamworth, a foster carer for the Birmingham Children's Trust, is awarded a BEM for services to foster care Andrew David Buttery, of High Offley, a volunteer for Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, is awarded a BEM for services to the community in Staffordshire Valerie Neale, of Stonnall, is awarded a BEM for services to the community in Stonnall Tracey O'Flaherty, of Stafford, is awarded a BEM for services to the community in Staffordshire Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. 'Saving the ocean is all I've ever wanted to do' Keele professors among New Year Honours recipients Foster couple thought New Year Honours a wind-up King's Birthday Honours: How does the UK honours system work? Staffordshire County Council
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Rachel Daly and Emma Bridgewater named in King's Birthday Honours
A footballer and ceramics industry leader have been named among the Staffordshire recipients in the King's Birthday Honours Rachel Daly, from Tamworth, and Emma Bridgewater, owner of the eponymous Stoke-on-Trent-based pottery firm, were appointed MBE and DBE who currently plays for Aston Villa, received the honour for services to Association Football, having been part of England's victorious Euro 2022 striker has 84 international appearances and also holds the Women's Super League's joint record for the most goals in a season with 22. Ms Bridgewater was honoured for her services to ceramics having founded Emma Bridgewater Pottery in firm currently employs about 230 people at its factory on Lichfield Street, in Hanley, and the company produces 1.9 million pieces of pottery every was previously appointed CBE in 2013 for services to British industry. Other Staffordshire honours include British Empire Medals (BEMs) for foster parents Elisabeth and Gavin Brownlees, an MBE for ice hockey player Saffron Lane and a BEM for volunteer fireman Andrew Ian Cooper, leader of Staffordshire County Council, congratulated the county's recipients and thanked them for their contributions."Staffordshire is a county rich in human talent and I am delighted to see residents' abilities, hard work and achievement recognised in this way," he added. List of Staffordshire recipients Emma Mary Bridgewater, founder of Emma Bridgewater Pottery, is appointed a DBE for services to ceramicsSean Allen Whinray, of Stafford, senior support officer at the Staffordshire Lieutenancy, is appointed an MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order) for services to the CrownMichael Charles Mellor, of Cannock, coordinator of the Miners Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, is appointed an OBE for services to heritage and to recognition of the mining community Dr Diane Swift, of Burton upon Trent, a trustee of The Creative Learning Partnership Trust, is appointed an OBE for services to educationProf Sharon Arkell, of Burntwood, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Wolverhampton, is appointed an MBE for for services to higher educationRachel Daly, of Tamworth, is appointed an MBE for services to association footballJohn Ian Davies, of Stafford, Associate Professor of Biomedical Science Practice at Staffordshire University, is appointed an MBE for services to the NHS diagnostic pathology service and biomedical science educationSaffron Fern Lane, of Pattingham, lately captain of the GB Women's Ice Hockey team, is appointed an MBE for services to sportGraham Lee, of Tamworth, Chair of the Statfold Narrow Gauge Museum Trust Ltd, is appointed an MBE for services to heritage railway preservation and charityGareth Brian Moss, of Alrewas, Chair of Trustees for the John Taylor Multi-Academy Trust, is appointed an MBE for services to educationElisabeth Brownlees, of Tamworth, a foster carer for the Birmingham Children's Trust, is awarded a BEM for services to foster careGavin Brownlees, of Tamworth, a foster carer for the Birmingham Children's Trust, is awarded a BEM for services to foster careAndrew David Buttery, of High Offley, a volunteer for Staffordshire Fire & Rescue Service, is awarded a BEM for services to the community in StaffordshireValerie Neale, of Stonnall, is awarded a BEM for services to the community in StonnallTracey O'Flaherty, of Stafford, is awarded a BEM for services to the community in Staffordshire Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
