World Cup agony has left Bronze feeling stronger

AS songs by ABBA and Celine Dion blared from the England dressing room in the aftermath of their quarter-final victory over Spain on Wednesday, a composed and reflective Lucy Bronze was sat in the tunnel, taking it all in.

‘After the game there were a few rowdy players and celebrations,’ said Bronze. ‘I’m one of those people who doesn’t get too far ahead of themselves and too caught up in it.

‘I was sitting in the tunnel for a while with the photographer. I think I’ve very much taken that role in the team. The one who is kind of cool, calm and collected.’

Bronze has been here before. Three semi-finals in a row have all ended in defeat. The first came in 2015 against Japan, the second against Sarina Wiegman’s Netherlands side two years later but it was the third, against the United States in the 2019 World Cup, which hurt the worst.

‘2019 was one of my best years not only in an England shirt but in general,’ said Bronze. ‘Every time I was on the pitch it felt like I couldn’t do much wrong. To be on that high and to be at the top of my game, to be one of the best players in the world and have that dream of winning the World Cup.

‘I think that World Cup probably taught me more than anything else has. Even when you’re at your best things can always go wrong.

‘It’s probably why I’m more cool, calm and collected now. Because I’ve been at the very high heights and still been knocked down. It’s a feeling I don’t particularly enjoy being reminded about, but it was something I learned a lot from.’

Bronze has won everything at club level, including three Champions League titles with Lyon. But the one thing missing is an international honour.

‘I think a lot of people ask what my motivation still is when I’m playing because obviously I’ve won a lot of trophies previously both in a team and individually,’ said Bronze ahead of Tuesday’s semi-final against Sweden.

‘England’s always been my biggest focus and my entire career I’ve wanted to lift a trophy for England.

‘Lifting the World Cup is probably the only thing that is equal to lifting a European Championship in your home country. It’s a huge opportunity.’