England captain Millie Bright is fit to start the Lionesses’ Women’s World Cup opener against Haiti on Saturday.
Bright has not played a competitive game since March when she injured her knee playing for Chelsea.
The centre-back was able to get some minutes during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Canada last week and has been declared fit to play in Brisbane.
“We are happy,” said England head coach Sarina Wiegman. “This was the plan. The plan worked, so Millie is ready to play.”
Bright had knee surgery in April to aid her recovery, but she insisted on Friday morning she was always confident of making the World Cup.
“I think when you are surrounded by the best people, I was very confident in my recovery and I have been given absolutely everything that I needed to be in this position that I am in,” said Bright.
“I am grateful that I am able to play. I am super excited to be here.
“Personally, I went day-by-day to start with [in my recovery]. I think it’s important to be in the moment and present, and not look too far ahead.
“I think by doing that I kind of removed all the pressure of being fit, so day-by-day my head was in that place that day.
“But I’m always confident that I do absolutely everything that I can for the team, and to put myself in the best position, so I knew I’d tick all the boxes in terms of my recovery.”
