England defender Lucy Bronze revealed that she played the entirety of Euro 2025 with a fractured tibia before becoming champion in a penalty shoot-out victory over Spain. The Barcelona star, who made her 140th cap for the Lionesses on a historic night in Switzerland, played 105 minutes before being forced off through injury.
That issue was unrelated to her fractured tibia, however, which was kept a secret throughout the tournament and only revealed moments after Leah Williamson lifted the trophy. Bronze tore herself away from the celebrations momentarily and was asked about the injury she picked up, before sharing that it was minor compared to the pain she has been dealing with all month.
“I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, and then I have hurt my knee on my other leg,” Bronze informed the BBC.
“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.”
On the tournament as a whole, the 33-year-old added: “I mean, I think we never lost belief in ourselves. There was a lot of noise on the outside. 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 have been 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.”
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