Alex Scott backs retired Millie Bright to become a coach after learning under Emma Hayes

Alex Scott has thrown her support behind Millie Bright as a future football coach, arguing that the recently retired England defender absorbed crucial lessons during her years under Emma Hayes at Chelsea.

Bright, who earned 88 caps for England, stepped away from international football in October 2025 after missing Euro 2025, before announcing her full retirement from the game in April 2026. During her playing career she was a cornerstone of the Lionesses’ defence, helping England win Euro 2022 and captaining the side — in Leah Williamson’s absence — to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

“Do I think Millie would make a great coach? Absolutely,” Scott said. “She has been in a Chelsea environment and learnt under Emma Hayes, who is an incredible coach, with everything she’s won at Chelsea and is now coaching the USA national team. So no doubt Emma has passed on a lot to Millie, so Millie would make a great coach.”

Scott, who won 140 caps for England during her own playing career, shared the pitch with Bright at international level, including at Euro 2017. Her endorsement carries weight given her own experience of elite football environments and her subsequent career in broadcasting and punditry.

Scott was speaking after returning to Langdon Park School in Tower Hamlets — her former secondary school — where she surprised pupils and reflected on the figures who shaped her own path in football. She joined a training session with students and spoke about the influence that teachers, coaches and positive role models can have on young people.

The visit also marked Scott’s introduction as an ambassador for the Chase football coaching programme, an initiative aimed at highlighting the positive impact coaches can have in communities across the UK.