Millie Bright: “Emma and Sarina are similar. We are all very open and honest.”

MILLIE BRIGHT believes the Lionesses’ defeat in the 2019 World Cup semifinals has given her “motivation and fire” to succeed on the pitch.

And the England vice-captain sees similarities between Euro winner Sarina Wiegman and her Chelsea boss Emma Hayes.

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Bright, 28, will earn her 53rd cap for the Euro hosts.

The journey begins as England, who are unbeaten in 14 games under Wiegman, meet Austria at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

The last major tournament the centre-back took part in was the World Cup in France three years ago under ex-gag Phil Neville.

The team reached the final four of the competition before losing 2–1 to the United States, who went on to win their fourth world title.

Asked if she was thinking about that loss, Bright said: “As a footballer you think of finals or semi-finals that you lose, they always stay tuned.

“It gives you motivation and that little bit of fire in you when you need it.

“You might be a bit tired and that will get you over the hill.

“It’s about staying on the path and sticking to the goal.”

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Under Wiegman Bright, who began her club career with the legendary Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009, has excelled in England’s defence.

Since last September, the Lionesses have conceded just three goals in 14 games, with Bright and her colleagues impressive.

Those goals came in duels against Canada, Spain, Germany and Holland – four opponents ranked in the top 10 in the world.

It’s about seeing happy players and people and wanting to bring out the best in us as a team

Millie Hell

Matches in which England drew two and won two against Germany were won 3-1 in February and the Dutch 5-1 at Elland Road last month.

Bright is a big fan of Wiegman’s coaching style, adding: “She takes away the emotion from him.

“It analyzes games and it’s more about what you do in that position than the individual.

“It’s never a direct comment on me as a person, more as a footballer and what’s best for the team.

“We are all very open and honest. To be in the best football environment, you have to be like that.

“But these aren’t really difficult talks, just analysis.

“If you want to get from A to B, you have to go one level higher. It’s not personal, it’s football.”

England’s unbeaten run since September has seen Bright Net five times for their country.

Goals include a stunning volley against Canada at the Arnold Clark Cup in February.

That performance was among the highlights of a double trophy season for the Chelsea ace that helped Hayes’ Blues win a fourth FA Cup and their third straight league title.

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Commenting on the comparisons between Hayes and Wiegman, Bright said, “They’re really similar. I have a great relationship with Emma and again with Sarina.

“Again, there are no emotions in it.

“It’s about seeing happy players and happy people and wanting to bring out the best in us as a team and vice versa.”