Lucy Bronze: From England Rejection to Euros Glory and Playing with a Fractured Leg

In a candid and revealing interview, England's most decorated female footballer, Lucy Bronze, opens up about her journey from early rejection to becoming a two-time European champion. Speaking with Kelly Somers in "The Football Interview," Bronze shares the defining moments, career highs, and personal reflections that have shaped her remarkable career.

Bronze's story is one of resilience and determination. Capped 140 times for England, she has participated in seven major tournaments, playing a pivotal role in the Lionesses' triumphs. But her path to glory was not always smooth. Bronze recalls the sting of being rejected by England's youth setup, a setback that fueled her ambition and ultimately led her to explore opportunities in the United States.

Image source, BBC Sport

"A huge turning point for me was going to America," Bronze explains. Inspired by the success of women's soccer in the USA, her family supported her dream, leading to a scholarship offer after attending a soccer camp. Although she only stayed for a year, the experience was transformative.

The interview delves into Bronze's remarkable achievement of winning Euro 2025 while playing with a fractured leg. "I just knew I was in pain," she says, recalling the discomfort she endured for nearly a month before the diagnosis. Despite the pain, Bronze was determined to play, embodying the 'Tough' spirit inherited from the women in her family.

Reflecting on the quarter-final penalty shootout against Sweden, Bronze reveals her confidence in the team, even though she was slated to take the seventh penalty. "I'm always like, 'Whatever you want me to take, whatever you want me to do, I will do that. If it's first, last whatever'," she asserts. That unyielding resolve was evident again in the final, and is part of the reason for the Lionesses success. She credits experience and confidence as keys to their success.

Beyond her on-field achievements, Bronze is passionate about the future of the game. As a member of the Professional Footballers' Association board, she is dedicated to giving back and supporting others. One example of her generosity is her £10,000 donation to the GB deaf football team, ensuring they have the resources needed for their training and equipment.

Bronze also addresses misconceptions about her personality. Some perceive her as overly driven or arrogant, but she clarifies that her intense focus stems from her autism. This unique perspective allows her to quickly find solutions, although she acknowledges that it can sometimes be misconstrued as being "a bit bullish."

Sharing her autism diagnosis, she received an overwhelming response. It has given confidence to some and also broken the stereotype that autistic people are naughty, bad people. Now children diagnosed as autistic see her a inspiration that they also can play football at the highest level because of the autism.

Her story is also of family. "Tough by name, tough by nature," she says about the women of her family, adding that they inspired her and that is part of the reason she is where she is today. About her Portuguese side, she said that she could have been born in Portugal but ended up being born in England because her mom's dad passed away the week before her birth. She went on to say that the family used to go to Portugal every time they had a break.

In "The Football Interview," Lucy Bronze provides a compelling and intimate look at the person behind the player, revealing the grit, passion, and unwavering spirit that have propelled her to the pinnacle of women's football.