Sarina Wiegman spoke out about Lucy Bronze’s Euro 2025 performances after it emerged that the England defender had played the entire tournament with a broken leg.
Bronze played a central role, including 105 minutes of England’s final victory over Spain, as the Lionesses won a second successive European Championship on Sunday.
Following England 3-1 penalty shoot-out win, the Chelsea full-back admitted she had played the tournament with a fractured tibia.
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Indeed, England boss Wiegman heaped praise on Bronze’s “mentality” in her post-final press conference.
“She had some issues with her tibia," Wiegman said. "We tried to manage that, but of course when you’re playing 120 minutes you’re not managing it, are you?
“The whole team has an incredible mentality, but Lucy Bronze has a crazy mentality. It’s unbelievable.”
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Bronze meanwhile, told the BBC: "I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, 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."
On the tournament as a whole, Bronze added: "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.
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"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."
Topics: Sarina Wiegman, Football, Womens Football, Injury
Chris Byfield