Lucy Bronze Reveals She Played Through Euros Victory with Broken Leg: ‘Don’t Worry, I’ll Play’

England's indomitable defender, Lucy Bronze, has revealed the astonishing secret behind her stellar performance during the recent Euros victory: she played with a broken leg. In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport's Kelly Somers, Bronze recounted the challenges, the pain, and the unwavering determination that propelled her to help her team secure the coveted title.

"It's something I haven't spoken about much," Bronze began, her voice tinged with a hint of disbelief. "The injury happened a few weeks before the tournament. Initially, we thought it was just a minor strain, something I could play through with some painkillers and careful management. But as the tournament progressed, the pain became increasingly intense. Eventually, a scan revealed the truth – a fractured tibia."

Faced with the daunting prospect of being sidelined, Bronze made a characteristically defiant decision. "I wasn't going to let a broken leg stop me from playing in the Euros," she declared. "This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I was determined to give everything I had for my team and my country."

With the support of the England medical team, Bronze embarked on a rigorous regime of pain management and rehabilitation. "It was a constant balancing act," she explained. "I had to manage the pain, prevent further damage to the leg, and ensure that I was still able to perform at my best on the pitch."

Despite the immense physical challenges, Bronze's mental fortitude remained unshaken. "I knew I had to stay focused and positive," she said. "I couldn't let the injury affect my performance or my mindset. I had a job to do, and I was going to do it, no matter what."

Bronze's resilience and unwavering commitment were evident throughout the tournament. She played every minute of every game, putting in tackles, winning headers, and driving her team forward with her relentless energy and determination. Her performances were nothing short of heroic, earning her widespread acclaim from fans, pundits, and teammates alike.

"Lucy is an inspiration to us all," said England captain. "The way she battled through that injury was truly remarkable. She's a warrior, a true leader, and an exceptional footballer."

Bronze also touched on other aspects of her career and personal life during the interview. She revealed that she doesn't practice penalties, relying instead on her instincts and mental fortitude in high-pressure situations. She also spoke about the positive impact she's seen since publicly discussing her autism diagnosis.

"Opening up about my autism has been incredibly liberating," Bronze explained. "It's helped me to understand myself better and to connect with others who share similar experiences. I've also been overwhelmed by the support and understanding I've received from the football community and beyond."

Bronze's story is a testament to the power of human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, anything is possible with unwavering determination and a refusal to give up. Her performances at the Euros will forever be etched in the annals of football history, a symbol of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

For more insights into Lucy Bronze's journey, watch 'Lucy Bronze The Football Interview' on BBC iPlayer. You can also read about her experiences with autism in the article, 'Having autism has worked to my advantage in football - Bronze'.

Here's a video of Lucy Bronze talking about her injury: