England's Lucy Bronze has lifted the lid on Sarina Wiegman's impeccable tactics from the Euro 2025 final win over Spain in July. The Lionesses came from a goal down to beat the World Cup holders on penalties in a dramatic match in Switzerland. Now, Chelsea ace Bronze has opened up on how Alessia Russo's all-important equaliser was planned to a tee by the boss.
Bronze enhances England legend status
The 33-year-old's glowing reputation improved further still after her starring role in the Lionesses' run to Euros glory this summer. She kick-started their fightback against Sweden with a goal in the quarter-finals of the competition, when they looked down and out, and scored the crucial spot-kick in the penalty shootout to send her side through.
The former Barcelona player also used all of her experience, quality, and craft in the semi-final and final as England retained their Euros crown. Manager Wiegman once again collected the coach of the year award at this year's Ballon d'Or after winning another international trophy, and going by her tactical nous, something Bronze went into detail on, it is easy to see why.
AdvertisementBronze explains England's Euro 2025 final equaliser
She said on the podcast with Jill Scott and Karen Carney: "I loved the goal that we scored, and I didn't even touch the ball. If I'm a second six[with Keira Walsh], [Aitana] Bonmati and Alexia [Putellas] have to pick us up, and then Patri [Guijarro] has to pick up [Ella] Tooney and G[eorgia Stanway] because they don't pick up four very well. We watched it in other games that they leave Patri to run between them.
"So I'm coming in, and Alexia thinks she's picked me up, so she doesn't have to pick up a midfielder behind her, then Bonmati is slow to Keira, Keira gets it, turns, and then Georgia's completely free because Patri's running between two players.
"Georgia gets it, turns, Chloe [Kelly] crosses…and I was like, 'That was us!' I didn't touch the ball, but I just scored for England! That was literally what we were told to do, the tactics. That was my role. I did it so Keira and Georgia could play, and we scored – I couldn't believe it."
Bronze shows her unreal grit for Lionesses
After England won the Euros, defender Bronze revealed she had played the entire tournament with a fractured leg.
She said in late July: "I actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, but no one knew. I just hurt my knee today on the other leg. 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. But if that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do – they know that. We inspire each other by playing through things like that, and it got us to the end, in the end."
Wiegman was in awe of Bronze's "crazy mentality" after playing almost 600 minutes in the competition, with only Hannah Hampton, Keira Walsh, and Alex Greenwood on the pitch for longer.
She added: "She had some issues with her tibia so of course we tried to manage that. When you play 120 minutes you're not managing it are you? The whole team has a great mentality but she has a crazy mentality, it's unbelievable."
AFPEngland return for Bronze may be out of reach
The former Manchester City and Lyon full-back is yet to play for Chelsea this season due to injury, with the defending Women's Super League champions currently top of the table with three wins from three.
Incidentally, Blues manager Sonia Bompastor said on Bronze's condition earlier this month: "It's difficult for now to put a timeframe on Lucy's return, but she's doing well. She's in a good place mentally and physically, so hopefully she will come back soon. I think she's still some weeks away from a return on the pitch."
The Lionesses are next in action for celebratory friendlies against Brazil and Australia on October 25 and 28, respectively. It may be a long shot for Bronze to be fit for then.
