Lucy Bronze remarkably revealed that she played the entirety of England’s Euro 2025 campaign with a fractured tibia.
Bronze was replaced by Niamh Charles in the 105th minute of the Lionesses’ triumph over Spain in Sunday’s final.
England emerged 3-1 victors in a penalty shoot-out after playing out a 1-1 draw in normal time, with Chloe Kelly firing home the winning spot-kick.
The result saw Sarina Wiegman’s side become the second team to retain the Women’s Euros, after Germany (1989, 1991, and six in a row between 1995 and 2013).
Bronze herself played a huge role in England’s run to the showpiece match, scoring from 12 yards in their shoot-out win over Sweden in the quarter-finals.
But during England’s celebrations, the 33-year-old, who went off injured against Spain, revealed she battled through the pain barrier all tournament.
“I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, and then I have hurt my knee on my other leg,” Bronze told BBC Sport.
“That’s why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, as I’ve been in a lot of pain. If that’s what it takes to play for England, that’s what I’ll do. Very painful.”
Bronze played 598 minutes across the tournament, a total only bettered by Keira Walsh (599), Alex Greenwood (625) and Hannah Hampton (630) for England.
Warrior. Winner. That’s our @LucyBronze. pic.twitter.com/2mfI7OiKik
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 27, 2025
The Lionesses clinched the crown despite leading for just four minutes and 52 seconds in the knockout stage of the tournament (including stoppage time.
England have also now won all four of their penalty shoot-outs under Wiegman, two of which came in Switzerland, with their last such defeat coming at the 2011 World Cup.
They were forced to work hard for their triumph, though. They were taken the distance by Sweden and Spain, while also leaving it late to beat Italy in the semi-finals.
Indeed, England became the first team to have three different matches go to extra time at a single edition of either the Women’s Euros or the Women’s World Cup.
They also lost their opening game of the tournament to France, but Bronze insisted there were no doubts within the squad that they would retain their title.
“I mean, I think we never lost belief in ourselves. There was a lot of noise on the outside,” Bronze added.
“We stuck together and dug deep. To win on penalties. This team is so inspiring to be part of.
“What we have done today is unbelievable. Winning on penalties is an amazing feeling, but to lose on penalties is a horrible way to lose a final.
“I know a lot of these girls from Barca missing penalties. It is difficult. I was there a couple of years ago. This year it was meant for England.
“Today we have shown resilience. We have shown everyone to believe in yourself no matter what people say about you.”