Lioness Lucy Bronze mocks England doubters with witty "masterplan" video after Euros win
Lucy Bronze posted a video on Instagram joking that England women's loss to France to begin Euro 2025 was "all part of the plan" so that other teams would "underestimate" them.
The Lionesses saw off Spain on penalties to retain their European crown with Chloe Kelly hammering home the winning kick after the match had finished 1-1. Rewind several weeks, though, and Sarina Wiegman 's side endured a forgettable start to their defence.
They lost 2-1 to France in their opener and it led defender Jess Carter to claim they "played like they were a little bit scared".
But that has all been forgotten and Bronze has been able to see the funny side of the loss as she and Esme Morgan posted a video together from the changing rooms.
The duo were shaking hands as Bronze began: "Losing the first game so everyone underestimated us". The camera then panned to Morgan as the video continued: "Sike! All part of the plan to bring it home again!!" Bronze, holding her medal, finished: "European champions back to back".
The Lionesses became the first nation to retain the women's Euros since Germany won six in a row from 1995 to 2013 as they also settled a personal score with Spain, who had beaten them in the World Cup final several years ago.
Bronze herself has earned huge accolades after playing through the pain barrier. She's been seen holding her leg for several games, which has required strapping during the tournament.
During the final she was limping again but managed 105 minutes, before leaving the pitch in tears as she was forced off. Bronze said: "I just hurt my knee today on the other leg. That is why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game because I have been in a lot of pain.
"But if that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do - they know that. We inspire each other by playing through things like that and it got us to the end, in the end."
She joked though that her injury would not halt her ability to celebrate: "It's very painful. I am going to party, I am going to enjoy it and that's it."
Wiegman said on Bronze's efforts: "She had some issues with her tibia so of course we tried to manage that. When you play 120 minutes you're not managing it are you? The whole team has a great mentality but she has a crazy mentality, it's unbelievable."
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Lionesses Bring It Home Again - Souvenir Edition
Sarina Wiegman's legends have made history and brought football home once more after defending their title and winning Euro 2025 in Switzerland. We have produced this special souvenir edition of the Women's Football News.
It is crammed with interviews with the Lionesses, special features, their match-by-match road to glory as well as dozens of amazing images. Click here to buy
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