The middle name of England defender Lucy Bronze, "Tough," aptly describes her performances at Euro 2025.
Following the Lionesses' victory over Spain in a penalty shootout to retain their European title, Chelsea full-back Bronze revealed to BBC Sport that she had played the entire tournament with a fractured leg.
"I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew," Bronze stated.
At 33 years, eight months, and 30 days, she was England's oldest player at Euro 2025, logging 598 minutes throughout the tournament. Only Keira Walsh, Alex Greenwood, and Hannah Hampton played more under Sarina Wiegman's leadership.
Bronze has participated in more consecutive tournament matches for England than any other player.
During the quarter-final against Sweden, with all substitutions made, cameras captured Bronze self-strapping support around her right leg during a stoppage in play. Despite the pain, Bronze helped the team recover from a 2-0 deficit to force a shootout, ultimately scoring the winning penalty with a powerful strike.
In the final against Spain, she continued to play through pain, managing 105 minutes before being forced off the field in tears due to a new knee injury.
"I just hurt my knee today on the other leg," Bronze commented. "That's why I received so much praise from the girls after the Sweden game. I've been in a lot of pain, but if that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do. We inspire each other by pushing through challenges, and it got us to the end."
When asked if the injury would hinder her celebrations in Basel, Bronze replied, "It's very painful. I'm going to party, enjoy it, and that's it."
Coach Wiegman confirmed Bronze's injury post-match, praising her "crazy mentality."
"She had issues with her tibia, so we tried to manage it," explained Wiegman. "But playing 120 minutes isn't exactly managing it, is it? The whole team has a strong mentality, but hers is extraordinary."
'She is Proper England'
Upon hearing of Bronze's injury, former England teammate Ellen White told BBC Sport, "I mean this in the nicest way, but she is not human. I love her and adore her, but she is proper England."
"Winning a major tournament with a fractured tibia is not normal. The pain must have been immense, yet she managed to deliver a decisive performance against Sweden."
Former England captain Steph Houghton, who also played alongside Bronze, described her as an "absolute legend of women's football."
"Playing so many consecutive tournament games is a remarkable achievement," Houghton said. "Every performance she delivers for England embodies a winning mentality and commitment to the team. She constantly propels the team forward and truly deserves this moment as a legend of women's football."
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