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The Guardian
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
From penalty taker to physio: Lucy Bronze is England's Swiss army knife
Lucy Bronze pinned up a picture of herself after the 2019 Women's World Cup bronze-medal match against Sweden, which England lost 2-1, for her teammates to see on a wall in the team hotel where players and staff share inspirational images. She was, in her words, 'absolutely exhausted' in it, hairband round her neck, shirt crumpled, hair awry, the physical, emotional and mental pain of the preceding 90 minutes visible. That photo represents so much to Bronze, England's stalwart right-back who no one has come close to replacing and likely never will. 'I will give anything and I will give everything when I play in an England shirt,' she says of the image of her at her most broken. 'I wanted all the girls to know that that's my why. My why is to give everything for this team because I just love playing for England so much.' On Thursday night, at the Stadion Letzigrund that Bronze had spent the afternoon replicating in Lego with Michelle Agyemang, the veteran defender encapsulated her why, delivering for the Lionesses when it mattered most. Bronze was left with an array of new photos to choose from: standing arms wide in the first half, pleading for a diagonal ball that could unlock a path into Sweden's half on the right; powering in her header from the substitute Chloe Kelly's cross from the left to halve the two-goal deficit, then kicking an advertising hoarding in a show of emotion; taking tape out of the team doctor's bag to tightly strap her own thigh deep into extra time before ripping the remains of the tape away; and dispatching England's final spot-kick in the tensest and most chaotic of shootouts at a speed of 102.51kph. 'I just felt a little bit tight at the end of the game and I thought: 'I just need to get through to make sure I can keep going,'' Bronze said of the self-treatment. 'But then I thought: 'It's going to hinder me in a penalty.' I didn't expect it to go to the sixth penalty, so I didn't take it off and then it was my penalty and I thought: 'I need to take this off, I'm going to smack it.'' Beth Mead said: 'Lucy was chaotic. A lot going on. With her taping her leg up she became a physio, [then] she became a striker and nailed the best penalty of the day. She did it all. Lucy really showed her experience in those moments. She's our most experienced England player and she was one of the players that very much got that determination out of us all today.' Bronze's message to Hannah Hampton before she stepped up to take her spot-kick was concise. 'I literally said to Hannah: 'I'll score this, you save the next one: game over,'' Bronze told Sky Sports, ice strapped to her right thigh, some kind of recovery device attached to a calf, as she marshalled Agyemang through the mixed zone, prompting her follow goalscorer to speak, coaching her through this high-interest new world after the 19-year-old's phenomenal introduction to the senior side. It is not the first time Bronze has done this: it was the 33-year-old who virtually grabbed Lauren James by the scruff of the neck after the forward's player-of-the-match performance in the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup and told her she had to speak to the press, doing the interview alongside her, encouraging her. It was also Bronze who stepped forward after the humbling 2-1 loss to France in England's opening game of these Euros and rallied the side. She leaned into her Lionesses history to help the squad over the psychological hurdle of, in effect, being straight into knockout football by sharing that, after a loss to France in the opening game of the 2015 World Cup, the team went on to come third, their best finish in that competition up to then. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion One member of Football Association staff described Bronze after the 3-2 win over Sweden on penalties as the best player they had worked with. In the press conference, Sarina Wiegman, usually so dispassionate in the face of questions about individual players, preferring to not highlight them over the team, let her love for coaching Bronze out, adrenaline still flowing. 'Lucy Bronze is just one of a kind,' the head coach said. 'I have never, ever seen this before in my life. I'm a very lucky person that I've worked with so many incredible people and incredible football players, and there are so, so many, but what she does, her mentality, and how she took that penalty and the goal … She gets it in the net, but that's not what defines her. What defines her is that resilience, that fight. I think the only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.' Turning 34 in October, Bronze is edging nearer to her career's close, but she is fighting the end, forcing it further and further into the future with each exhilarating performance. But it is not just the performances that matter. Bronze's experience and influence are significant and vital as the next generation comes through. England need her, not only at right-back, but everywhere and in every way.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
From penalty taker to physio: Lucy Bronze is England's Swiss army knife
Lucy Bronze pinned up a picture of herself after the 2019 Women's World Cup bronze-medal match against Sweden, which England lost 2-1, for her teammates to see on a wall in the team hotel where players and staff share inspirational images. She was, in her words, 'absolutely exhausted' in it, hairband round her neck, shirt crumpled, hair awry, the physical, emotional and mental pain of the preceding 90 minutes visible. That photo represents so much to Bronze, England's stalwart right-back who no one has come close to replacing and likely never will. 'I will give anything and I will give everything when I play in an England shirt,' she says of that image of her at her most broken. 'I wanted all the girls to know that that's my why. My why is to give everything for this team because I just love playing for England so much.' On Thursday night, at the Stadion Letzigrund that Bronze had spent the afternoon replicating in Lego with Michelle Agyemang, the veteran defender encapsulated her why, delivering for the Lionesses when it mattered most. Bronze was left with an array of new photos to choose from: standing arms wide in the first half, pleading for a diagonal ball that could unlock a path into Sweden's half on the right; powering in her header from the substitute Chloe Kelly's cross from the left to reduce the two-goal deficit to one, then kicking an advertising hoarding in a show of emotion; taking tape out of the team doctor's bag to tightly strap her own thigh deep into extra time before ripping the remains of the tape away; and dispatching England's final spot-kick in the tensest and most chaotic of shootouts at a speed of 102.51 km/h. 'I just felt a little bit tight at the end of the game and I thought: 'I just need to get through to make sure I can keep going,'' Bronze said of the self-treatment. 'But then I thought: 'It's going to hinder me in a penalty.' I didn't expect it to go to the sixth penalty, so I didn't take it off and then it was my penalty and I thought: 'I need to take this off, I'm going to smack it.'' Beth Mead said: 'Lucy was chaotic. A lot going on. With her taping her leg up she became a physio, [then] she became a striker and nailed the best penalty of the day. She did it all. Lucy really showed her experience in those moments. She's our most experienced England player and she was one of the players that very much got that determination out of us all today.' Bronze's message to Hannah Hampton before she stepped up to take her spot-kick was concise. 'I literally said to Hannah: 'I'll score this, you save the next one: game over,'' Bronze told Sky Sports, ice strapped to her right thigh, some kind of recovery device attached to a calf, as she marshalled Agyemang through the mixed zone, prompting her follow goalscorer to speak, coaching her through this high-interest new world after the 19-year-old's phenomenal introduction to the senior side. It is not the first time Bronze has done this: it was Bronze who virtually grabbed Lauren James by the scruff of the neck after the forward's player-of-the-match performance in the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup and told her she had to speak to the press, doing the interview alongside her, encouraging her. It was also Bronze who stepped forward after the humbling 2-1 loss to France in England's opening game of these Euros and rallied the side. She leaned into her Lionesses history to help the squad over the psychological hurdle of, in effect, being straight into knockout football by sharing that, after a loss to France in the opening game of the 2015 World Cup, the team went on to record their best finish in that competition (third). One member of Football Association staff described Bronze after the 3-2 win over Sweden on penalties as the best player they had worked with. In the press conference, Sarina Wiegman, usually so dispassionate in the face of questions about individual players, preferring to not highlight them over the team, let her love for coaching Bronze flow out, adrenaline still high. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion 'Lucy Bronze is just one of a kind,' the head coach said. 'I have never, ever seen this before in my life. I'm a very lucky person that I've worked with so many incredible people and incredible football players, and there are so, so many, but what she does, her mentality, and how she took that penalty and the goal … She gets it in the net, but that's not what defines her. What defines her is that resilience, that fight. I think the only way to get her off the pitch is in a wheelchair.' At 33, 34 in October, Bronze is edging towards her career's close, but she is fighting the end, forcing it further and further into the future with each exhilarating performance. But it is not just the performances that matter. Bronze's experience and influence are significant and vital as the next generation comes through. England need her, not just at right-back, but everywhere and in every way.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Man Utd want to host 2035 Women's World Cup final
Manchester United want to host the 2035 Women's World Cup final in their new 100,000-seater club announced plans to build the biggest stadium in the UK - an "iconic" new £2bn ground close to Old Trafford - in they still hope to realise co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe's desire for a 'new' Old Trafford to be completed within five to six years - despite widespread doubts outside the club over the likelihood of hitting that 2035 Women's World Cup is expected to be held across the four nations of the United Kingdom, which is the sole Football Association is working on a bid to present to football's world governing body Fifa by the end of the year, setting out its vision for the sources say they anticipate the new stadium being open a long time before 2035 and believe Ratcliffe's stated timescale from his March announcement is still they also acknowledge the potential for delays around such a complex plan. The club's ambition was announced as Lord Coe was named as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation for the Old Trafford Regeneration project, a move which Manchester United have was previously the chair of the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force set up by Ratcliffe last year to examine the feasibility of a new 100,000-capacity stadium for United, the first drawings for which were unveiled in London almost four months has also chaired London's successful 2012 Olympic and Paralympic chief executive Omar Berrada said: "The continuity it brings for the wider project will be a huge positive. "In addition, Lord Coe's proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality." Challenges facing 2030 completion date Industry and football experts outside Old Trafford have identified numerous reasons why completion in 2030 may be unlikely, with one saying privately if the spades are in the ground within two years, United will have done very discussions over how to fund the £2bn project have begun, although this is being done at the same time as the club are in negotiations over the refinancing of significant chunks of United's current those specific loans are not set to expire until 2027, informed sources say they need to be refinanced a year before that. In their latest financial statement in June, United confirmed £327.9m of its 'senior secured notes' and £180m of its revolving credit facility is set to mature on 25 June is thought highly unlikely United will look to load its stadium debt on to that sum at a time when global interest rates are and co-owners the Glazer family have the option of putting in the sums themselves, or reducing their stake in the club through a share sale, but neither of these options are felt to be realistic think the most likely option is having a subsidiary company own the stadium, which could bring in others feel the economics of building a 100,000-capacity stadium from scratch requires the men's first team to be a far more attractive proposition than they are now because a significant number of corporate tickets will have to be sold to make it financially viable.A secondary complication is whether there is a possibility of being able to buy nearby land currently being used for the Freight Liner is still time to tone down some of the more expensive elements of the vision Ratcliffe unveiled in chief operating officer Collette Roche will lead the club's drive on the project, with fan focus groups set to discuss key aspects, including seating and pricing options, in a series of meetings next is not known yet when planning permission will be submitted, although issues such as transport expansion will be dealt with at local government level, with United's input."This is about so much more than just a stadium," said Lord Coe."It's about listening to and working with residents to create a vibrant, inclusive district, with high quality housing, green spaces, world class leisure and education facilities, and improved transport links."Twenty years on from securing the Olympic and Paralympic Games for this country, I'm ready to help deliver a vision of equal scale and ambition. I can't wait to get started."
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Revealed: Lord Seb Coe to spearhead Man United's plans to build a new 100,000-seater stadium as club hope London 2012 chief can settle land dispute
Lord Seb Coe is to spearhead Manchester United 's plans for a new stadium – with officials aiming to host the women's World Cup final at the 100,000-capacity venue in 2035. Mail Sport understands that the appointment of the London 2012 supremo is a huge boost, with the club at loggerheads with a nearby business over a piece of land vital to the vast project that would see the Premier League giants leave Old Trafford. United still hope to be in their new home in time for the 2030-31 season. But those with knowledge of the matter have disclosed that it has been complicated by a failure to come to an agreement over the Freightliner Terminal, behind the Stretford End. It is thought that landowners Brookfield remain a substantial distance from United in terms of valuation. There is a view that they are attempting to cash-in, given the sudden interest in the land. And should no agreement be reached, Coe could step in and force a compulsory purchase order. The Olympic legend will tonight be announced as the 'Chair-Designate' of the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for the Old Trafford Regeneration project by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, as part of the unveiling of a 10-year growth plan for the region. A close friend of United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the influential 68-year-old had previously led the Old Trafford Regeneration Task Force – a group set up by the club with the objective of exploring options for developing a world-class football stadium and regenerating the surrounding area, which also featured the likes of Gary Neville. Coe will now be influential in the next stage of the project. Last week marked the 20th anniversary of London being awarded the 2012 Games, in a stunning victory overseen by Coe. The middle distance, two-time gold medallist took over as chair of the bid around a year before the vote, at a time when some suggested that London was so far behind rivals Paris that they should withdraw from the process. While United's overwhelming priority this summer is to turn things around on the pitch, work has been continuing behind-the-scenes on the stadium plan. Concept images have been released via Lord Norman Foster, the award-winning architect. A tender is out for designers to come forward with final proposals. United believe the hiring of Coe represents a major step forward. The MDC is a statutory body with powers to purchase land and drive the project forward and his input will be substantial. Feasibility work is ongoing. One key element will be the utilisation of the stadium – which would be the biggest in the country – as the so-called Wembley of the North. Talks are thought to have already taken place with FIFA on hosting fixtures in the 2035 tournament, including the final. The stadium forms the centrepiece of a wider regeneration of the area. United have said they will seek public funding for infrastructure of the project, but will not look for money for the stadium build. Coe's appointment needs to be signed off by government, which is viewed as a formality. He said: 'I'm delighted that I've been asked to be the chair designate of the proposed Old Trafford Mayoral Development Corporation. 'Throughout my career, I've seen the difference that sports-led regeneration can make in fostering strong communities and acting as a catalyst for economic growth. That was certainly true of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics – and now, I believe, Greater Manchester's moment has come. 'Working with Trafford Council and the Mayor, there's huge potential to bring new homes and jobs to the area around the Manchester United stadium. And looking ahead, I see a chance to bring the FIFA Women's World Cup to a new Old Trafford Stadium in 2035. The home nations are the sole bidder, which presents a rare opportunity to bid to host the global football family.' Omar Berrada, United chief executive, said: 'This is an exciting decade for the region, and we warmly welcome the inclusion of the Old Trafford Regeneration project at the heart of the Greater Manchester Strategy. 'We are also delighted by the appointment of Lord Coe as Chair-Designate of the Mayoral Development Corporation; the continuity it brings for the wider project will be a huge positive. In addition, Lord Coe's proven leadership and track record in delivering transformational projects will be invaluable as we work together to turn our collective vision into reality.'
Associated Press
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Spain star Bonmatí making 'very positive' progress after meningitis, could play Euro 2025 opener
BERN, Switzerland (AP) — Spain star Aitana Bonmatí is making good progress after recovering from viral meningitis and might even be available for the world champion's opening match at the Women's European Championship, coach Montse Tomé said Wednesday. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner's participation in the tournament was in doubt last week when she was hospitalized after falling ill with a fever late Friday, but she rejoined the squad Monday and took part in training Tuesday. 'Let's see. Aitana is evolving positively,' Tomé said the day before Spain's opening match against Portugal. 'Yesterday, she did part of the training … I think she spent 15 minutes on her own and her progress is very positive. For today's training, she'll do some tasks with the team. She's willing to play, but we'll see what the medical services are telling me. What matters is the player's health and good condition, but her progress is positive.' After Portugal, Spain also faces Belgium and Italy in Group B at Euro 2025. The 27-year-old Bonmatí has won the top individual award for women's soccer for the past two years. The Barcelona player was key to Spain winning the 2023 Women's World Cup for its first major women's trophy. Spain also won the inaugural 2024 Women's Nations League, but it has never won the European Championship. ___ AP soccer:
