Chelsea’s dependable defender Millie Bright helped Team GB keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 victory over Chile in an early event at the Tokyo Olympics.

The match, played at breakfast time in the UK, saw the Brits in a familiar dark blue (slightly darker than Chelsea’s Royal blue, but still blue enough) playing in the sealed, air-conditioned Sapporo Dome in front of no fans at all – an experience all-too familiar after a year and a half of Covid.

Manchester City’s Ellen White scored both GB’s goals in a one-sided affair in terms of possession (62% in the first half alone) and shooting chances. Manager Hege Riise picked no fewer than eight City players in the starting line-up, with Bright the only Chelsea rep until Sophie Ingle came on and joined her as a second-half sub. Keeper Carly Telford was also among the subs, but didn’t feature.

White’s first goal was a close-range effort in the 18th minute, after a strike in the 11th had been ruled out for offside. Arsenal’s Lauren Hemp managed to head back into the danger zone, and White finished the job to cue her trademark ‘goggles’ celebration. Her second goal, on 73 minutes, was a well-timed volley after Lucy Bronze had centred the ball.

The next match comes on Saturday morning, against Japan. Fran Kirby, who has picked up a knock in the build-up to the action, is 50:50 for the game, but will be selected by Riise if deemed fit.

Other Chelsea players waiting in the wings include Niamh Charles, who had such an impressive season for the Blues last year, helping Chelsea Women lift the Conti Cup and WSL trophy.