The Rest Is Football: Daly Brightness - The League Cup Debate, A Sprinkling of Champions League And A Lot Of Love for Millie’s Announcement

Episode Date: October 22, 2025

What do the girls think of the Subway League Cup and how do they think it could be improved? Is it still an important competition for female players up against the WSL, UWCL and FA Cup? Who shone last week in the Champions League? And how impressed are the girls with Manchester United this season? The pair also look back on Millie’s England retirement news. And Rach has some very special messages of support for Millie… including one surprise appearance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Yeah, but you've got enough. Don't worry about it. Like, let the rest of us have a go. No, no, no, no, no, because it's not fair. But we can all see that tackle. We can all say, whether you're a supporter of Man United or not, it's not a mass tackle. And take the colour of the card away from it, right?

You've got to give a huge shards male, Letitia. Apart from you, yeah, has to be one of the most consistent centrebacks. Unbelievable centreback. Lee has been injured. Meyer has been unreal. Is this going to be more emotion? Probably. I don't like this episode anymore.

Hello everyone and welcome to Daily Brightness. We've got a packed episode for you today. Find out what we've been up to this week. We'll be discussing the group stages of the League Cup and the Champions League. And we'll be looking back on last week's episode when Millian Outser Retire. from international football. So first of all, Millie, hello, what you've been up to? Hi, Bestie.

I feel you've been at home. Tell me all about it. I have, obviously, because it was the League Cup this weekend, we played Champions League Wednesday, and then we had a luxury of four days off. So as I do, I packed my car straight away, packed my bags, and off I popped up to Sheffield with the doggies. My mum had literally a whole itinerary, as she does,

of what I was doing, where I was going, who I was seeing. But you know what? It was so nice. Obviously, mum and dad are in their new house now on the farm. So I got to stay there for the first time, which was amazing. Really weird, actually, because obviously I used to go into my, what I know was home. So that was a little bit sad, not going there. But I just saw all my nephews.

I watched Vinny play. He won his final. He had a final and he won. And he scored, left foot screamer as well. I don't know why he's left footed. Rach, he's left footer, don't know where he gets it from. I went golfing. I did my first round of golf.

Nice. Saw that. With my dad. My dad and my granddad. So I did a first round of golf. Hit some balls in the driving range and I was really nervous though. And I was like, stop looking other people looking at you. Yeah, I felt really like, intimidating.

I hate when people are like right behind you, like ready to tee off and you're just going. I'm like, oh, no, I don't watch me. Yeah. I just went up to him and I was like, oh my God, I went on to the next, the next area. and I shouldn't have been on there. I had some really good shots, some terrible ones, but learnt a lot, enjoyed it. So that's in the bag.

I leave my clubs in my car now, so after training, I'm just going to try and get to drive range as often as I can. But obviously my dad and my granddad's on the best, so it was easy to just, yeah, go and have a laugh. Just chill out, honestly. Yeah, just relax. Just had a really, really nice couple days,

and then obviously I had a long drive back down yesterday. And then back to training, it's a bit of a weird one for me because it's my first international break off. Yeah, but equally it's not really international break because they only just start today. I know. So you got it like, do you get next weekend off as well? So I'm in three days.

I get one, I'm off Thursday Sunday this week. So yours is like flip-flop to what we would do. Yeah. So we have obviously had a game this weekend. Then we're in Tuesday, Wednesday, then we've got the weekend off then. Yeah. But I think, obviously, on a normal international break, we would have played this weekend.

Yeah, because like you said, oh, international break, I'll come and see you. And I thought, oh, that's not the same week as me. I know. But it's because obviously, normally there'd be a league game or something else, and then it'd go in. So I imagine I'd have, like, two or three days off at the beginning of the week. But it was honestly nice, and I'm going to try and get back every international break. I'm going to try and get back to mum and dad. So it's been really, really nice.

And then a bit sad coming back down. I was excited to come back down but then I was like oh that's what I'm missing out on yeah like I have to leave everyone and say goodbye you're like really like embrace it

and then yeah you like want to come home and they're like oh I miss it but then you just get back into the swing of things like the first couple oh yes she's so good

then it's hard it's hard it's hard I was really sad I was just like I just cried on the way home and I was like why am I crying

like the best four days I think because it's so far like it's not easy you can't just like knit back there like on a day off Like it's literally got to be like a weekend off or a... I know.

But it was really, really nice. But what about you? What are you done? We had a game. So we played... Oh shit, you did, yeah. We played Bristol in the Cup yesterday. You won?

1-3-0. Good win. Love that. Conditions that you would have loved. Like pissing down the rain. Like, Sly Tackle City. Get stuck here. Every time I received a touch,

I was like, the balls were just skidding off my boots. So I was like, get me back to when I was nine. 10 years old when I gripped on my boot, just secure the ball. But yeah, it was a good result for us, obviously. Then everyone went on to international break. I got my first goal of the season, which is weird to say, isn't it? Yeah, that is crazy. Like, I've not had that for a lot of years, but yeah, my first goal, so that was nice.

Well, I'm just letting everyone know. Rachel Daly's opened her account, so be ready. Once she does that, they come thick and fast. Diven Hedder as well, Best Eater, loved it. Love that. I expect nothing less from you. It is weird that, like, and slightly annoying, I'll be honest, to everyone else in the league, that, like, you guys just get a pass on the big sandwich cup, the big meatball maranara cup.

Oh, big foot long. Go on, like, what's your order? What's your order? My order would be, yeah, it would be meatball maranara. I'd have a terriac of chicken. Footlong on hearty Italian. Oh, toasted, cheese, salad, banging. But what I would say is it is a bit annoying that you guys get a pass.

Like, I get it, because you've obviously got a Champions League, right? So you've got a bigger cut to worry about. But at the same time, yeah, so we're going through the group phase and you just get a pass through the group stage. How's that fair? I don't get it. because at the end of the day nine times out of ten

the people that win that are the people that come in like you come in at like quarter-final semi-final how's that fair so we just have to play three more games you just get to come in get a pass and then you're in the final

make it makes sense I'm not bothered because I just got four days out I know you're not I'll get four days at home next week but I understand like it's a privilege when you do well right you get like yeah you get a pass

I get what you're saying but at the same time I'm like what's the point? point in the cup. Like, if you get a team, right, like, okay, we play Bristol yesterday, yeah? So like, let's say a Bristol. Yeah. Like the normal, how, FA Cup, it's the magic of the FA Cup, anything can happen, yeah? So the Cup, anything can happen. But then you guys come in and the semi-final and just go, sit back down the rest of the year, we're going to go and win this. Or, or just don't enter in the cup. Like, the top four teams in the Champions

League, this is my theory. Top four teams, top three, top four teams, just don't come into that Cup. It's a trophy, isn't it? Yeah, but you've got enough. Don't worry about it. Like, let the rest of them have a go. No, no, no, no, no. No, because it's not fair.

Fairness to me is that you start... Rachel wants to start a petition to get the top three teams out of the Subway Cup. No, because in my team... Can I pitch this to you? Let me pitch this to you. Yeah, pitch it. You're in the Champions League, right?

You in the league. So the top team in the English League, the top team in the French League, the top team in the German League, whatever. All the top teams in the league just get a pass to like the quarterfinals. But then like second and third of the league don't get that pass.

That's not fair. It's the same thing. That's the same thing. Don't even try and tell me I'm wrong. It's the same thing. You all go into the Champions League as equals, right? First, second, third. You're all going as equals.

So it's fair. Well, no. No, no. You do. No, because some have to do the qualification. Like, well, before. Not now. Not now, you don't.

Not now, but before. before they did. Yeah. Bullshit. You're in or you're out? Also, on your Cup group, on your League Cup group, was it the same,

because I've always found with the League Cup, it's always the same teams in the same groups. And they never mix it up. It's regional. But that's the one thing that I'll agree that should be different.

It should be regional. It should be different. It should be mixed in. If we're in the middle of the country, let us play the furthest team South, the furthest team north. Like, yeah, you don't want to travel, right? But that's fair.

That's the one thing I'll agree with you and I don't think, I think that should be mixed and I think it should be almost like the FA Cup. Yeah. It's not fixed. It's like a pot.

Do you know what I mean? And, right? Yeah. So, okay. Okay, so we've got the, for the first time I've been here, but it's my fourth season. Never had Birmingham, right?

Everyone wants Villa Blues. Everyone wants a Villa Blues game. Never had them. Yeah. But they've always been in it and so have we. And this year we've got them. Like, how, how, if it's, if it's in a region, how are we not every year in the same?

same as Birmingham. Doesn't make sense. I think the format and the structure is a bit weird. Yeah. But I'll give you a pass

because you achieve a lot. We need some answers. So you want, you get the past. Hey, that made up my treble. I get that, yeah, but you came, you play two games, mate. True, it doesn't make sense. It doesn't.

We need answers. Daily brightness needs answers right now. Right, moving on. Moving on from the Subway Cup, let's talk about the Champions League. Your game was brilliant. I loved watching that. I really enjoyed watching the game. I loved it.

I absolutely, I had the best time ever. I loved it. I still think you could just beat them 8-0. Do you know what I mean? Yeah, we had so many chances. I was glad that you're like dominated and scored four, but I still think there could have been about it. You could have won 8-0.

I think in the last 15, well, last 20 we really turned it on. And I think they, to be fair, they did some brilliant blocks in there. There was one where Guru put a ball in. Sam did a left foot volley and the defender did really well to block it but I do agree I think again we should have had more goals but I loved it and do you know what

it was such a nice way to end the first block and send everyone away where we actually had a result to match the performance and it felt like for the first time we'd come off like really really happy and we were like we've got our mojo back 4-0 was like I was pleased but I thought

it was nice it felt good like everything felt good like good intensity dominated and it was just really nice off the back of a couple where we've got the results like but not really got the performance or played really well but not really got the as many goals like I think it was just a nice way to send everyone off and obviously we've got a massive blocker games when everyone comes back it just felt really really good like it was just like topped off a really good start to like the season um so yeah it was really really nice but I love the Champions League I absolutely love

it I just love it yeah me too good Love watching No, I'm pleased because you have dominated a lot of games and not scored as many as you wanted to but I still, again, I still think you've got another gear like good luck to everyone else going against Chelsea because you've got another gear

like I really think you've got another gear. I'm really best it. We're working at it. We're working at it. But 4-0, convincing win. Pleased with that, aren't you? Take that. Yeah, I'm buzzing. I'm happy for Alyssa Thompson as well getting her first goal. I think she's going to be a massive massive threat. Do you know what she's different? You don't really see wingers like that

more, though, do you? You don't. No, not like where you're going at someone one B one and you can give it her every time. She'll be a player. She was in the first half, she literally, I think we cleared like from a corner or something. She was off and I was going, I was running along and going, holy shit, we can't catch her. We can't even get up to support. Just keep going, keep going. I'm not joking. This is, this is the problem I have at Villa, yeah. So like, our strikers are wraps. And like, I'd like to think of myself as like not being slow. Like, I don't think I'm a slow player, yeah? No, you're not slow. But it's like, they go on a run. It's like, in behind to them too.

And I'm like, I can't, I can't fucking keep up. What are you going to do? Can't get there. It's like, well, you weren't in the box. In my head. You weren't in the box. I'm like, I can't fucking make the box. Because what do you want to do?

I'm going, she's fast as fuck boy. That's all I'm thinking in mind. I'm thinking, fuck no, get it on. But you see, the smoke's coming out of their ass. And you're like, fucking out. I'm like, him off happy Gilmore, trying to chase him down by the nail in his own. No, but it's good.

I am pleased that you got like a good, a good amount of goals scored. Yeah. No, it was really, really good. But, yeah, some of the other games, I think it's honestly so interesting at a minute. Like, I think that all the games are just like, could go either way.

Do you know what? Like, I hate to say this, and it pains me, just like, as a men's football perspective, that Man United are doing well because obviously Leeds hate Man United, right? Like, but I'm watching them and I'm like, they're good, you know?

Yeah, no, they are. And do you know what? They've developed a different style. They do, I agree. It's a completely different. They have a style. They just changed over this past, like, well, from last season to the season.

They're like a new team, but... They've definitely added that playing style and, like, they play some really, really nice football and... That Ziggiotti, quality, baller. She's changed their midfield. Really good player. And, and... She is.

You've got to give a huge shout out to me a Lettissier. She's been a rock. She's been an absolute rock for them. Apart from you, yeah, has to be. one of the most consistent centrebacks. Because you look at like Alex, yeah, Alex, unbelievable centreback, but has gone to left back a bit this year.

Leah's been injured. Yeah. For me, like, Leah, like, sorry, Maya has been unreal. Yeah. And I watched it in that game. I actually fully watched Man United Athletico. And I was like...

I want to see it. I want to see her getting some minutes for England, you know, and I know everyone's saying it, but I don't, like, she's literally doing everything and week and week out. She's playing centre-back. Like, she's bossing every single game. Consistently.

And not just, like, bang average. Like, she is performing every single game. She's their reliable player. She's got it all, yeah. So, like, she's blocks on the line. She's playing diagonal passes. Like, she literally,

and I know this sounds stupid. I'm not blowing smoke at your ass. But she reminds me of, like, a younger version of you. Like, that's how I pictured you when I remember you when I still, it's the same. It's the same sort of player. Like, she's really, I want to see her playing. I agree.

Massively agree. I think she'd be dominating and I think she, I think she deserves it. To be honest, when you're getting picked, like you, it has to go off form and performance and she is performing. And equally, there's no better time, right? Like, you've retired. No. Leah's injured. Exactly.

Like. I think she deserves that shot. I really, really do. I'm no Serena Vigman and I'm no manager, but like, as a player and as a player and watching her, like, you're playing. with her and like watching, I think the last two years, I think, like, she's been incredible. I do think she does, it's like a massive shout for her to, like, get in there. Yeah. Come on, give her a go.

And we love mayor, so like, give her a shot. I think credit where credit's due and she has been unbelievable to do what she's doing at such a young age as well, like not much experience, like captain of the club, like, that is a massive, massive role and she's doing it like she's done it for years. So I do honestly believe she deserves that opportunity. and that centreback I think she's the most informed centreback

and I think she deserves the opportunity so apart from our centrebacks apart from our centrebacks at the low I think we're in which are very

foreign we're a very foreign line you know what I mean we've got like we need one of them things what you tap we've got French Irish Dutch

Swiss you've got a little bit of everything yeah we like we taste all the flavours you know what I mean no but I do

I really do think she's been incredible. Right. Can we just talk about the red card for United? Because what do you think as a defender? Because I'm not a defender. I don't think that's a red. I think the injury that it caused... It's a trailing leg.

It's not the initial... It's not her front leg. It's her trailing leg. But what I will say, if that's in the box, you're giving a pen. Yeah. And she'd only get a yellow because you don't have double, double...

Jeopardy. But I don't know. I don't think there's any intent. I think for me is... I think it's clumsy, is what it is. I think it's very, very clumsy. But the injury that it caused is what has made it worse. Do you know what I mean?

Like, she's obviously really badly injured, which, God, I hope she's okay. But equally, who goes into a tackle to go, I'm going to fucking end your career, or I'm going to injure you, I'm going to do this. Listen, some do. I don't think that exists in the women's game, which I'm glad, but I don't think that was a malice tackle at all.

And you know what, right? There's any malice in it whatsoever. I don't know Janssen. I don't know Janssen from Adam, right? Like, I don't know her, right? But every time I've played against her, it's been a really good battle, and I've loved it. Yeah. Like, I have enjoyed, I've embraced it.

Like, I remember we played against Man United last year at Man United. She got a yellow against me in the first half, and I got a yellow against her in the second half. And we've both, like, high-fired each of raft, and we're just like, yeah, fair play. Like, it's not, she's not like. You're not going out to nail something. You're not going out to hurt them. You're going to go out and give you... I'm going to let you know I'm there.

I'm going to try and win the ball. And if I don't... I don't agree with her being slammed out. I disagree with that and I don't think... I don't think it's a tackle where we need to be concerned and like, oh my God, people in the game need to calm down. Like, no. No, it's a contact sport.

We don't wish injury on any player. It is a contact sport and that's the risk that's the risk that you take. Look at the injuries that are just happening recently. What I will say? Did you watch that again? yeah so do you know like 10 minutes before when riviere yeah went studs up i think that's worse yeah like i don't personally don't think it was a red either i don't i think it was a yellow but i think jade rivier right raider good player no problem i don't think she ever went out

with any intent it was a mistime tackle but like you've gone studs up above the knee car that's more of a red than exactly that's my point so like i don't even for her i'm not saying that that was a red i'm not saying that was a red i'm not Like, I know she didn't do it intentionally. Like, no, like, you know what I mean? Like, it was mistime. You can see the way the ball bounces. But where, this is my point is, where does VAR step in?

Because I'm like, to me, if you're going studs up against somebody's, like, above the kneecap, to me that's more of a red than going on a slidey to try and win the ball at the byline, near enough. Yeah. I think it was just, honestly, my honest opinion is it's just a clumsy tackle. Probably don't think you need to slide in there. Anyway, it was the training leg, not a front leg. Yeah, it's a weird one, isn't it?

I wish, I wish Geo liked the best recovery. You know, it's sad to see another injury. But I agree. I don't think, I don't think, I don't think, uh, Janssen deserves to be slammed. I don't think there was any intent whatsoever to, to injure or hurt anyone. But this is where we go back to, right? Like what we stand for, right? So, Gio, I hope she's okay.

I hate the fact that she's broke a leg, right? Yeah. Kills me as a footballer to say somebody injured, right? Yeah, you don't want to see anyone injured. No. But that's the physical help of somebody, right? But we're slamming somebody and just going to absolutely crucify their mental health

of somebody else. If someone that doesn't... Like, if you actually watch you have some play, she doesn't play like that. She's not... No, but I actually genuinely don't think there's many... I don't think there is that would go out to hurt someone.

And you can tell the way she's tackled. She's not going out to break a leg, as she? She's gone to try and slide a block a ball coming in the box. Like, she's protecting a box, she's defending. Yes, it was misty. Yes, it was clumsy. Whatever. You can say whatever you want. But to slam her, like, that hurts somebody. I've been, I've been on the receiver. Like, let me, let, I'll tell you, I was on the

receiving end of that, right? So I played in Houston, made a tackle on a player, yeah. She tore ACL. You've probably seen it on Twitter. She wrote a whole tweet about me injuring her. And I got absolutely peppered. Like, honestly, I deleted everything. I actually took I'd seem clad out of my phone. Because I was like, I would never, in my wildest dreams, you could be the worst person in the world. I could hate you. I would never ever playing that game intentionally hurt anyone.

And I was distraught, like it killed me. And it comes up on my timeline now. Like, people quote tweet it and stuff. But it also makes you question when you come back to playing. Like, it then changes you as a player like, can I not tackle anymore? Like, honestly, I was like, I couldn't believe it. it killed me, like to wake up in the morning to have abuse, left and right,

like fan mail, abuse mail through the post, abuse on Twitter, abuse and Instagram. I got absolutely battered, right? That's where people have to be careful when they speak out. Wasn't even about tackle, right? But I felt like I was the worst person in the world. And I really sympathise with her because I just think. But don't you think people have to be more responsible

in what they're saying, like whether it's in interviews or press conferences, because you're open, that door for abuse, you're encouraging it, so therefore you're becoming the abuser. Like, Gio, yeah, she didn't go into that game going, I'm going to break my leg. But Yantin didn't go on that game going, I'm going to break someone's leg, it's fair game. No, I just think we have to really look at the situation and like, listen, if she went out to break her leg, I mean, if someone did that to me, I'd probably be speaking privately with them and if I got asked about it, I'd be like, yeah, I agree it was a dangerous tackle.

I wouldn't then want them to be slammed but if they did it with like like if it was a nasty tackle and they'd gone with intent, different situation but we can all see that tackle we can all say whether you're a supporter of Man United or not

it's not a matter of stuff and take the colour of the card away from it right? Yeah it's not a bad horrific tackle we've seen a lot worse no so I don't I think as players we have to be then really careful what we're then going to go and answer a question in the media because you're then

opening that person, forget the player, you're opening that person up for abuse, and you're making out like it was, you're going, oh, that was with intent. And, yeah, she's only got a one-match ban, but it's debatable if it's a red in the first place. Like, it's not with, and they, the referees come out and they give all their,

their talks to us. Cards are based on, like, intent and the severity of the tackle, and that also goes with the match ban. I got absolutely ragged down. I was clearing on goal, dragged back, weekend like might as well have took my shirt off me nothing didn't even acknowledge yet

I was like well okay you've purposely trying to rip my shirt off me what's the difference yeah do I mean it's like where does the game go so I don't know I just we've gone on a mad rant about that the decisions are inconsistent but anyway because we've gone on a mad rant we're going to take a quick break and we'll be back very soon at Tim's and every pack tells a story with rare finds, fan favorites, and exclusive prizes. Ready to score big? Start collecting today only at Tim's. A participating in restaurants in Canada for a limited time. From that first coffee of the day to dropping off your dry cleaning on the way. From stepping onto the subway to opening your doors to your first customer of the day.

We're here to power you along the way. Maneris, powering Canadian commerce. Visit us. at Menaris.com slash commerce. Welcome back to Daily Brightness. So last week, Millie, exclusively announced a retirement on the podcast, which is an actual, massive, I love that from you, because it's me and you, and massive shout out to our podcast, so amazing. But reaction, like tell me, taught me, through some of it. How was it? Did you get a lot of love? I hope you did. If you didn't, I'll

let me know who they were. Yeah. I'll send you a list over later. No, honestly, I've been so overwhelmed with the messages. And to be honest, anyone that sent me a message and I haven't got back to it, I'm not ignoring it. I have just been flooded with a million texts, a million Instagram messages, like people just saying congratulations. And I had like lovely little memories, like, oh, I remember when we've a room together, or I remember this and congrats, and yeah, I've just had, sorry, I've got a block nose, I'm not crying, I promise. I was going to say, are you crying? No, I've been so ill, like, I was ill last time, and then it's just, yeah, I don't know.

Maybe my body's a bit run down, but yeah, the messages have been insane, like, I'm still to get through, like, all my WhatsApps and reply, so anyone that has messaged, I will get back to you, it's just, just give me a minute. And, you know, we need a couple of days just to process everything. Yeah, you do need to do that for yourself. That's why I needed to get away because going back to my dad's, I've not even attempted to get through any messages because I just needed to process it because it had been such a busy week.

The announcement came that I was then flooded with messages and outpour of love and support. And then I had a massive Champions League game, so I had to get back up for that. And then I just needed to go, shut the doors, shut the blinds and be like, I just need to like be in the moment a little bit. So I'm going to get through all those now, but it's been really, really nice and I had some lovely messages from, you know, friends and family and people at the club as well.

It's just felt really supported. And listen, you always get, there's always going to be people with opinions and everyone can have their opinion on it. And, yeah, I'm not really bothered, to be honest, if people agree with it or disagree with it because it's what's best for me. And, yeah, the people that matter to me

and the people that influence my life and my decisions are the ones that I listen to. And yeah, it's honestly been amazing. I think it's been hard for some people to understand. Like, I do think it's a bit of a journey for family and, you know, people to kind of get their head around because it's all they've known as well. It's all they've known alongside me.

And for my family, I didn't really, I don't know if you spoke to your family about it, but I didn't really speak to mine about it. I was kind of just doing that decision on my own. No, because I think it's, like I said to you last, well, I said to you when it's happening. Exactly. Like, those are the decisions that you kind of have to like, you've got to make them on your own. Like, your mom, your dad, like, your sisters, your brother, like, whatever it is, right,

they're going to have an emotional connection going, no, you can, you can, you can. Keep playing, keep playing. Or the other way where it's like, yeah, do it, do it, do it. But like, only you. And I said to you, like, I briefly spoke to you about it, didn't I? And then ultimately, I was like, shut. the rest of the world out and I text you

that night then I said I'm doing it and you were like... I remember when you said it and you was like I hadn't spoke to you back for three four months

had I? No. Like I'm not brought it up and I was just like I feel like I'm retiring tonight yeah I've been similar

and I've like mentioned it to like my mum and dad obviously after the summer they were like are you going to go back what you're going to do and to be honest

like when I've explained things they've really understood it and honestly I couldn't have I couldn't have it couldn't have been a smoother

I think it's when you're in and out and you're omen and armouring, like people are a bit like, oh, well, oh, but then when you do it, it's like, I'm here for you. Yeah, it's different. And what a brave decision or whatever.

But anyway, listen, I'm going to read some gorgeous messages right now. Gorgeous, is it? Right, there's about six. I don't want you to respond. Okay? I want to read these until afterwards. I just want you to just like take these in and really embrace, like, what people are saying to you

because you deserve everything. every second of this, right? First one. Are you ready? Yeah. This is from... Wait, who's it from? Because will I get upset?

Do you want me to save the one that you'll probably get upset until last? Yeah. Okay. You don't want me snotting everywhere, do you? So this one is from

Emma Lou Oldfield. A moment for the shared golden boot with Pateas. What a career. What a legend. Thank you, M.B. Next one. Seb Hutch

A golden boot What a leader What a champion Do you like I'm emphasising these words Yeah I do Oh my God you should do story books Ishan England will miss you

What an incredible rock You've been in defence I feel this Only Girl 1988 Can't imagine how hard The decision it was for you But huge congratulations On such a successful

International career We'll miss you in an England shirt but no, you'll still be shining bright in a Chelsea one. Well, I like that. You like what she did there. Maca, my fave, one of the best to ever do it. And OG, thanks for showing up for women's football, well, women in general. This is the last one I've got for you at this moment in time, okay?

You see how I'm getting really, like, fiddly now? Like, if anyone can't see, but I've got my little anxiety jelly thing and it's getting absolutely murdered. Are you ready for this one? Take a big, deep breath. This one is from the one and only, Nicola Bright. Oh God, I'm probably going to get upset. Can a mum be heartbroken but happy at the same time?

We've been on this journey for many, many years. We watched you quietly and humbly chip away at the doubters and the negative opinions. You built yourself into a formidable defender when no one was looking. You have been at the heart of defence. for England. The ever-present brick wall. Proud isn't a strong enough word. I'm in awe of how you've dealt with everything.

Strong on the inside as well as the out. Brave on the pitch, but brave enough to make tough decisions. What a journey. Thank you for the memories. Unforgetable. Why am I crying? No, don't because I'm literally...

But why am I filling up? Because she's family to you. Literally, I'm literally about to cry. Yeah, don't. Should we move on? But like, how do those messages make you feel? Yeah, my mum's message really hits home because they see everything.

That's, I think that's why it's not even upsetting. It's just, like, overwhelming, you know? Yeah. Why am I getting, I think I happen. Anyway, move on. I'm getting upset about your mom or if you're all getting upset. No, but I think that for me, right, as your friend, all of those words that people have justified you

are like that they epitomize you right as if you said to millie if you said right millie bright is this person described her all these words would come up brick wall unforgettable leader legend yeah but that's what you portray on the outside and I think for me that's where it's different like you're literally like a little baby on the inside that I want to protect and don't mean that in a negative way like I want to protect you Like, the people that love you and that know you, on the inside, you're this person, right? Like, you're upset, you're emotional, you're vulnerable, you're such a softy. And we're very similar in that sense.

But on the outside, you're just like the Great Wall of China. Like, no one's getting through you. And that's how it's perceived. But I think that that's such a compliment to you to know that people on the outside see you as that. But then those that you're letting see, brick by brick, break you down on your. layer by layer, like who you really are and I think that's what you need to be really proud of. Thanks, Besty. I love you.

Because I actually don't care about your football career, to be honest. I care about you as a person and you've smashed it. Same about you. But yeah, honestly, it's been very, very overwhelming and I think, I don't know if you felt the same but I went through this like period of am I going to let people down if I do this decision? Absolutely.

Like the ones that sacrifice a lot for you and kind of all that and we know we play for the same reasons it's to give back to our family it's to make them proud it's to say thank you for driving us all around the country and you know

sacrificing work and sacrificing weekends away and the amount of times my dad could have gone away and done something and instead they're travelling to games and yeah I think they're the ones that they're also the ones that see people break you like we've got unbelievable poker faces

like no one will ever ever maybe I'm getting a bit softer in my age, but I like it. I'm less afraid to say or show how I'm feeling, but your family are the ones that see your, friends and family are the ones that see people break you, you see people break me and get to me and hurt me. And my family see that and they see how hard the journey actually is. So for them, like, that's why I say it is a bit of a process and they almost need to

like grieve it that is ended, but something else is about to start. and I think that's what really, really excites me is that I've now got that opportunity to take the next step in life and, yeah, do something exciting and do something for me. That was the same with my family. My mum was like, are you sure, are you sure, you're sure, yeah.

Yeah. And then you question it, like, am I sure? I don't know, you don't think you're ever really sure. There's always that, like, one teed out, like, should I keep going? Yeah, of course. The majority takes over, doesn't it? And it's like, okay, but...

Yeah. You can't be afraid of what's next. Like, for me, I'm like, I was really nervous. Like, what am I going to do? Who am I without England? Who am I? Like, even the next step. That is the biggest question.

Yeah, but even the next step, right? Who are you? You're 32, I'm 33. Who are we without Villa, without Chelsea? But there is somebody so deep down within there. But actually, we don't really know yet. Just got to bring them back out. And that's exciting.

I've always said, like, I'm never going to be scared of retiring from football completely because I have always had this thought. And you can ask anyone, I've always said to my family that I'm never going to be scared of retiring I'm going to miss it but I'm not scared of it because I've always accepted

that football is just a part of my life it's not my whole life and we get a second chance at life that's how I see it we retire when what people retire like mid 30s you get a second chance what 35 in football

that's old but in life you're young you've got a second chance to live a whole new life and do whatever you want and discover who you are without football for me that's really exciting

and if we want to work at Aldi yeah we will We will, darling. We will. Because we don't fear a nine to five. I used to work six till six. I reckon hell.

But yeah, we actually, I've always said that. I don't even care if I, honestly, me and you could go and stack shells at all it. I could not give a shit. Like, I don't care and I don't value. Like, when I retire, I don't want the luxury life. Like, I don't. I just want to be happy and I just want to...

Birth peace. I've everything that I've ever missed. I've missed time with my family. I've missed first birthdays. I've missed weddings. I've missed, you know, time. with like, people get older. People, people are getting old, yeah.

So I don't want the life of luxury. I honestly just want good memories, time with my family and friends. And I want a little bit of me time. I want a little bit of time for Millie, like, what does Millie want? What do I want to do? And it's some daily brightness, that's what I want to do. Right, before we go, Millie, we've got one more message for you. And it's from a very, very, very special person, especially to you.

So I wanted to give you a little video message. from someone that is incredibly important to you and one that has played a massive role in your career, in your life. Oh, is this going to be more emotion, probably? Hey, Millie, I just want to say congratulations on an incredible international career. Not just the Euros, the World Cup,

the countless other games. I think we dragged the team and performed at the very highest level, gaming game out. I know people will always see you as someone who wears their heart on their sleeve and someone who will put their body on the line for the team. I personally will see you for the most amazing human that you are, the most incredible person.

And I know that coaching you meant so much more to me in that. And as far as I'm concerned, you're a friend for life. In fact, family. I love you, me all. Why am I getting crying? Why am I crying again? Stop! You've got to stop doing this. I cannot deal with it anymore. Why are I crying again? Guys, I can't breathe as it is. I'm very congested at the minute and then you're making me cry even more.

I'd like to think that I'd basically just said that before that video even got played. Emma! That's why he's nearly dead! Emma, stop trying to take my best friend away from me, okay? First of all, it's Aggie. I don't know if I'm laughing or crazy. Then it's Emma. No, but honestly, like hearing that, right,

it's like, it's so touches me because it's like, that is it, that is it. Like, that is you. She remembers you, she coached you for how many years, 10 plus years, right? And she'll remember the person that you were. I don't like this episode anymore. Get a great, grow up, Will.

Grow up Hey, that's a story. That, ladies and gentlemen, that is a story for another time. We will get around. There's a story behind the grow up. Grow up. Now you grow up. But just quickly, give us a little moment on that message

because that was lovely. God, Emma Hayes. I mean, she summed it up. she was never just a manager like she never was she was always my life coach she was she was a mentor that's why she was one of the best she is the best um she didn't just treat you as a player she treated you as a person and as a human and she valued everyone's opinion everyone's feelings she knew how to get the best out of you but also being your biggest critic she did it in the right way like she always push me always always pushing me as a person

as a player i loved every single minute like working under her and she taught me so much and there's so much that I've learnt from her that I'm continuing to push at the club but just in general like if I was ever needing someone she'd be the first person that I'd pick up the phone to like sheesh you obviously that's Rachel that's like embedded in my heart maybe just make that public okay I'm just going to publicly announce it to everyone that if I need anyone I ring Rachel daily she's saved as my bestie she's got a pink heart together actually does everybody know that I'm going off script now but we have an emoji and it's the pink hearts that I've got to swirl around

and whenever we need to send a hug to each other we send that emoji on its own and we just send it no text neither just send it and we just know that each other needs a little little hug but yeah em is and listen when I've needed needed people without having to ask you're one of the first to do it because you know me she's one as well she's done it she did it over the summer first one to pick up the phone need anything you okay what can I do to help and there's no bullshit with her like what you see is what you get and she is someone that's got the biggest heart

like the biggest heart we're very similar in ways of she's like oh it's brilliant poker face you'll never know when she's struggling ever always yeah I'm fine because she always wants to make sure other people are like yeah okay but words like I value them so so much

so whenever she speaks I listen like I always listen and yeah I love her dearly and I always will and I'm forever grateful for what she's done for me on the pitch but mostly off it because she's honestly got me through some of my darkest times just like you have.

But thank you guys for that. I really appreciate it. It was a really, really nice end. I'm not so happy that you've made me cry twice on the podcast though, at all, but yeah, I love your best dear, and I love, you know, the podcast. Thank you for giving us this space to just be us. Like we're actually being Millie and Rachel

I think that's one of the things that I'm proudest about of the podcast Anyway, that was enough nostalgia Talk to me about what you're grateful for this week Oh, what I am grateful for this week was Honestly, just driving back home Just going back to the field

For Christmas Sorry, that was nice Yeah, I think honestly Just time with my loved ones That's what I needed. I really, really, really needed it. I think it's been a really, right, tough period. And I think things have taken,

it's toll on me a lot more than I probably thought. So just time, just not even doing anything, just sitting with my mum and dad, like doing stupid things and, like, little things that clicking at my dad to make me a cup of tea and he's laughing. He's like, oh, bloody old you think I am for you? Just like little things like that that I miss every single day and I don't get that.

So I was really, really grateful for those four days and have made some unbelievable memories. I love that, honestly. I don't think you can beat that, really. But it's quite similar. My mom's birthday was Monday. And I know I messaged that, Lulu. It was nice for me to be able, like,

I just off the cuff just said, I'm going to go surprise her for a birthday meal. So I got in touch with her friends. Oh. And my godmother, they go for a birthday meal every year for her. And I did that when she was 60, so she's 62 now. So I managed to do it again this year. I was doing it last year, so it was nice to be able to just, again, I think I'm grateful

for time, my time. Yeah. And that's something that, like, you take, you just take for granted. Like, something that we've really taken for granted and really not had control over the last few years. 100%. If you, anyone out there, if you get, if you are in a situation where you can just pop around to your parents, pop around to your families, I'm telling you now, don't ever moan about

it, because I would snatch your arm off in a freaking heartbeat. like I would give nothing I'd give everything sorry to be able to just pop round I'd give nothing I'd give everything up I'd give my whole life up take everything take all the trophies

take all the stuff I don't care if I could have that so if you have it go around check in do something nice don't ever moan about it don't ever moan that they're there

because one day they're not going to be there I think that's been like a yeah like you said time is something we've never had control of we're told where to go when we can go home

when we can have a day off yeah I'm like Our lives have been very scheduled, haven't they, which again, I can't complain about. Like, I do like that. No. At the same time, like, I think when you get to give back, it's a real, real big lesson. But anyway, that's it for Daily Brightness. As always, get in touch on socials at Daily Brightness.

Send us your messages and any questions you've got for us. We love hearing from you all. Make sure. And if you're not, subscribe, subscribe. Subscribe. Now. That was a nice episode. I really, really enjoyed that.

Nice nostalgic. Walked our memory lane. And they had lots of love. So thanks, best dear. On to next week. Bye from me. Bye from me. See you soon.

Hello. Hello, this is Adam Horry, host of the football clichés podcast, a show about the unique and wonderful language of football and all of the tiny things we take for granted. about the game. Is he actually still box office? Because that's the one thing Marino is still clicking on to. Is he still box office, Dave? I don't think he is.

Define box office. What makes you box office? No, I don't have to. If enough people say it, then that's all it is now. It's just lots of people unthinkingly saying it and are not being challenged because it's just like forever. It's just bit, well, whether you like him or not,

what you can't deny is that he's box office. And if you keep saying that, I guess people can't deny it. You can't deny it. He's box office. We're talking about him. Well, yeah. Annoyingly, that is true. Twice a week, we dive deep into the things that players, managers, commentators and fans say and do,

almost without thinking, plus lots of other things as well, in the most unique football podcast there has ever been. Just search for football clichés wherever you get your pods.