England’s Lionesses roared to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025, defeating Spain in a dramatic 3-1 penalty shootout on July 27, 2025, at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, Switzerland.
Amid the celebrations, defender Lucy Bronze stunned fans by revealing she played the entire tournament with a fractured tibia, showcasing extraordinary resilience. The 33-year-old’s grit, combined with the team’s unity, led England to retain their European Championship title, marking a historic moment for women’s football.
A Tournament of Tenacity
The Lionesses’ Euro 2025 journey was anything but smooth. After losing 2-1 to France in their opening match, England regrouped, defeating the Netherlands 4-0 and Wales 6-1 in the group stage.
The knockout rounds tested their resolve, with a penalty shootout win over Sweden and a dramatic 119th-minute goal by Chloe Kelly against Italy in the semi-final.
The final against Spain saw England trail 1-0 at halftime after a header from Mariona Caldentey. Alessia Russo equalized, and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton’s two penalty saves, followed by Chloe Kelly’s decisive strike, secured a 3-1 shootout victory.
Lucy Bronze, a key figure in England’s defense, played every minute of the tournament until a separate knee injury forced her off during extra time in the final.
Post-match, she revealed to BBC Sport that she had been managing a fractured tibia since a Nations League match against Portugal on May 30, 2025. “I discovered it after the Portugal game, but I was already in pain,” Bronze said. “I’d do anything to play for England.”
Despite the injury, she logged 600 minutes, more than most outfield players, and scored a crucial goal against Sweden.
Bronze’s Resilience Inspires
Bronze’s revelation sparked awe across the football world. Fans and journalists on X praised her as “unbreakable” and a “true Lioness.”
Journalist Giulia Bould posted, “Lucy Bronze played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia!!!!! Wow. She was already incredible but this is something else.” Her teammates, including Niamh Charles, celebrated her toughness, noting that the squad and coach Sarina Wiegman knew of her injury but kept it private.
Bronze managed the pain without heavy medication, limiting training to focus on matches. The Lionesses also made headlines for their response to teammate Jess Carter’s racial abuse during the tournament.
The team stopped taking the knee before matches, seeking new ways to combat racism, a decision Bronze addressed publicly. “We want the message to hit harder,” she said, though some, like anti-discrimination body Fare, questioned the move.
Celebrations and Legacy
England’s victory triggered joyous celebrations. Fans in Basel belted out “Sweet Caroline,” and a homecoming parade is set for July 29, 2025, along The Mall in London, starting at 12:10 PM.
The event, hosted by Alex Scott, will feature a trophy presentation at the Queen Victoria Memorial, broadcast live on BBC, ITV, and Sky. King Charles, Prince William, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the team, with William praising young star Michelle Agyemang, who earned the tournament’s young player award.
The win cements the Lionesses’ legacy, with Wiegman’s third consecutive European title reinforcing her coaching brilliance. Bronze’s heroics, playing through a fractured tibia, epitomize the team’s “never-say-die” spirit, inspiring young players across Europe.
The government’s push to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup and a £65 million Women’s Super League broadcast deal signal a bright future for the sport.
Looking Ahead
Bronze’s story and England’s triumph highlight the growing prominence of women’s football. As the Lionesses prepare for their parade, their resilience and unity set a powerful example.
Bronze, now a two-time European champion, summed it up: “This team is so inspiring. We never lost belief, no matter the noise outside.”