Captain Bright cleared to play in England's World Cup opener against Haiti

BRISBANE, Australia : Captain Millie Bright will play for England in their opening Women's World Cup game against Haiti on Saturday, welcome news for a Lionesses squad ravaged by injuries in recent months.

"We're happy," coach Sarina Wiegman said on Friday at the Lang Park stadium in Brisbane. "This was the plan and the plan worked. So Millie is ready to play."

The 29-year-old Bright has not played since suffering a knee injury in March, and there were concerns the imposing five-foot-nine Chelsea defender would not be sufficiently recovered to earn a spot on the World Cup squad at all.

Bright said she never lost faith.

"I think when you're surrounded by the best people and I was very confident in my recovery, and yeah, I've been given absolutely everything that I needed to be in this position that I'm in," Bright said. "I'm grateful that I'm able to play."

Bright was appointed captain after her centre-back partner Leah Williamson suffered an ACL injury. England are also missing Beth Mead, Golden Boot winner at Euro 2022, and Fran Kirby, who are both among a virtual who's who of women who did not make the trip because of knee injuries.

The Lionesses - ranked fourth, 49 spots above debutants Haiti - are among the favourites to win the World Cup as the reigning European champions. They also reeled off a 30-game unbeaten streak that was halted by a 2-0 loss to Australia in April.

"We're here and we have a dream, and of course, there's always a chance to win the World Cup," Wiegman said. "Many more countries can win the World Cup but of course we're going to give our everything."

Bright, meanwhile, had called her injury during a gruelling professional playing schedule a blessing in disguise, her first break in years longer than