England defender Lucy Bronze has once again proven her mettle, playing the entire Euro 2025 tournament with a fractured leg. Her resilience and determination were pivotal in England's successful defense of their European title, culminating in a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain.

The Injury Revelation

Bronze revealed to BBC Sport that she had been playing with a fractured tibia throughout the tournament. "I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no-one knew," she said. Despite the injury, Bronze managed to play 598 minutes, making her one of the most utilized players in Sarina Wiegman's squad.

Key Performances

Bronze's grit was particularly evident in the quarter-final against Sweden. With all substitutions made, she was seen self-strapping support around her right leg during a break in play. She went on to score the winning penalty, slamming her spot-kick into the roof of the net to secure England's place in the semi-finals.

In the final against Spain, Bronze limped through 105 minutes of intense play before being forced off the pitch in tears. "I just hurt my knee today on the other leg," she added. "That is why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game because I have been in a lot of pain."

Praise from Teammates and Coaches

Sarina Wiegman praised Bronze's "crazy mentality," stating, "The whole team has a great mentality but she has a crazy mentality, it's unbelievable." Former England teammate Ellen White described Bronze as "not human," highlighting her extraordinary commitment to the team.

Legacy and Impact

Bronze's performance has cemented her status as a legend of women's football. Former England captain Steph Houghton remarked, "Every performance she does for England is all about that winning mentality and doing what is right for the team. She is always dragging the team forward and really deserves this moment because she is an absolute legend of women's football."

Bronze's heroics not only inspired her teammates but also captivated fans worldwide, proving that true champions rise above adversity.