Millie Bright urges fans to treat players with respect: ‘We are not items’

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy England defender Millie Bright issued a reminder to supporters that players “don’t deserve to be disrespected” following a troubling experience in the Women’s Super League. Bright told the BBC she has “not thought about anything like that” in women’s football, but said: “The fans are incredible and I usually have good responses. I think sometimes it’s a two-way street.” England kick off their Nations League group stage against Portugal on Friday before taking on World Cup winners Spain – who beat the Lionesses to lift the trophy in 2023 – at Wembley. The defender, asked about fighting for the starting left-back spot in Sarina Wiegman’s side, told Sky Sports: “I think we have that many good players here that every camp it’s a case of proving yourself and that’s exactly how it should be.” The new Nations League format, introduced last year, also serves as part of the qualifying process for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.