Lucy Bronze remarkably revealed that she has played through the pain at Euro 2025 with a fractured tibia.
The 33-year-old got her hands on the trophy once again as England beat Spain on penalties in the final to defend their European crown, three years on from winning the tournament on home soil.
Bronze strapped up her own leg during the quarter-final victory over Sweden and then smashed in a penalty in the shootout, and she remained a huge presence in the English defence throughout the knockout stages.
She went down injured during extra-time against Spain and had to be replaced and limped up to collect her medal with most of her right leg covered in strapping.
That was explained after the match in a post-match interview, when it emerged that Bronze played throughout the tournament with a significant injury.
Asked how she felt, Bronze paused and smiled before revealing: “I’ve actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia but no-one knew.
“And then I’ve just hurt my knee today on the other leg.
“I think that’s why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game because I’ve been in a lot of games. But if that’s what it takes to play for England, that’s what I’ll do.
“Very painful.”
England lost their opening match of the tournament to France, and then led for a combined total of just under five minutes across their three knockout matches.
However, Bronze insisted that the Lionesses were always confident the European title would remain in their possession.
"I mean, I think we never lost belief in ourselves,” she said.
“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. 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."
