England fans have been left stunned after Lucy Bronze revealed she played the entire Women’s Euro 2025 tournament with a fractured tibia — an injury she had kept secret until after the final.
The 33-year-old was taken off at half-time in extra time during Sunday’s final, which ended 1-1 before England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties in Basel.
But when asked about the new knee injury she picked up during the game, Bronze casually disclosed that she had already been playing through far worse.
‘I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia,’ she told BBC Sport. ‘And then I have hurt my knee on my other leg.
‘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.’
The previously undisclosed injury sparked an outpouring of disbelief and admiration across social media on Sunday night.
‘Lucy Bronze played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia!!!!! Wow. She was already incredible but this is something else,’ wrote journalist Giulia Bould.
‘She’s not human I swear, that’s just crazy! Absolute machine!’ added fellow reporter Karen Fazackerley, while another fan tweeted all in caps: ‘Lucy Bronze played this whole tournament on a fractured tibia? What the hell.’
Bronze started all six of England’s games at Euro 2025, racking up 600 minutes — more than any other outfield player except Keira Walsh (601) and Alex Greenwood (628), and just behind goalkeeper Hannah Hampton (632).
Her heroics in Switzerland came off the back of a treble-winning season at Chelsea as she helped her club lift the WSL, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Reflecting on the tournament after England’s second shootout triumph in 11 days, Bronze said the Lionesses never lost faith.
‘There was a lot of noise on the outside,’ she 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’ve been there a couple of years ago. This year it was meant for England.’
‘Today we have shown resilience. We’ve shown everyone to believe in yourself no matter what people say about you.’
