Lucy Bronze's mother has disclosed that the England defender played through the entirety of Euro 2025 with a fractured tibia, a secret kept from the public throughout the tournament. Diane Bronze told BBC Woman's Hour that the injury occurred in June, yet her daughter continued to play a key role in the Lionesses' successful campaign.
Diane Bronze explained that Lucy's background in sport sciences helped her manage the pain and injury. 'She did a sports science degree. She reads research papers and she knows about injuries. That's how she can keep going. That's why she knew how to tape her own leg,' she said. Despite the fracture, Lucy maintained a high pain threshold and was determined to compete.
The secret was known to a select group, including Lucy's Chelsea club, the England medical team, and many of her teammates. 'The amazing thing is that the medical team all knew about it, we knew about it, I think a lot of the girls knew, and not a whisper got out,' Diane Bronze added. She also revealed that Lucy's father's Portuguese heritage means the family name is Tough Bronze, with all children carrying both surnames.
Looking ahead, Diane Bronze is confident her daughter will continue playing after recovery, echoing manager Sarina Wiegman's sentiment that 'she's going to have to get her off the pitch in a wheelchair.'
