29-07-2025
Lucy Bronze branded ‘remarkable' by doctor who reveals how England warrior played whole of Euro 2025 with BROKEN leg
A LEADING doctor has branded Lucy Bronze 'remarkbale' for playing through the pain barrier to help England win the Euros
Bronze herself has confessed she battled through the entire Euro 2025 tournament with a fractured tibia.
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The 33-year-old right-back was a rock-solid presence in Sarina Wiegman's victorious team, clocking up a staggering 598 minutes—the fourth most in the squad.
She played in every single match, including two back-to-back 120-minute thrillers in the quarters and semis, despite her agony.
Bronze was subbed off during the final stages of two group-stage games but fought on even as the pain grew.
And in the nail-biting final against Spain she was forced to leave the pitch during extra time with England going on to clinch a 3-1 win on penalties.
But just when you thought she couldn't go any further, the Lionesses hero stunned the world by revealing it wasn't just her knee that was a problem.
She told the BBC: 'I have actually played the whole tournament with a fractured tibia, and then I have hurt my knee on my other leg.
'That's why I got a lot of praise from the girls after the Sweden game, as I've been in a lot of pain.
"If that's what it takes to play for England, that's what I'll do."
Dr Mark Bowditch, President of the British Orthopaedic Association, called it "remarkable" that Lucy played through such a serious injury.
England's Lionesses return home to heroes' welcome with EURO 2025 trophy
The expert explained she was most likely dealing with a stress fracture, a type of injury that develops over time from repeated strain.
He warned that these fractures are usually extremely painful after exercise and could have made each game feel like agony for the England star.
Bowditch added, 'It's incredible Lucy kept going. The England medical team would have adjusted her training to keep her fit.
"She probably has had to reduce the amount of training she has done in between games or train in a low weight-bearing environment such as a swimming pool or anti-gravity trainer.
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"It's a great tribute to Dr Ritan Mehta and Lionesses medical team that they have managed to keep Lucy going."
Wiegman confirmed that they had been carefully managing her injury throughout the tournament, often subbing her off during matches where England had already secured the win.
But no one could have expected just how far Bronze would go in her fight to stay on the pitch.
