Lucy Bronze has given up the ghost of her crushing World Cup semi-final defeats in 2015 and 2019 – now, after years of heartbreak, the veteran defender finally has her chance to win England in the final
- England suffered dramatic semi-final losses in each of their last two World Cups
- Bronze has been an ever-present for the Lionesses, being part of all three squads
- WATCH: Wiegman CANNOT remember Lauren Jamessays Chris Sutton of Mail Sport
“This is the one thing I’ve always wanted, to be in the final of a World Cup,” an emotional Lucy Bronze admitted in the wake of England’s 3-1 win against Australia on Wednesday.
She and her teammates had finally put an end to the series of unsuccessful semi-finals in the competition, after heartbreaking losses in 2015 and 2019.
One of only two players – along with Alex Greenwood – to be on all three teams, Bronze was one of the most influential players in the country during that period.
At the national level, she has amassed a wealth of team and individual accolades, including four Champions Leagues, seven league titles and the 2020 Best FIFA Women’s Player award.
While for England she has been ever present since making her debut in 2013 before earning 111 caps to date.
It was desperation for Lucy Bronze in back-to-back World Cup semi-finals as England went to defending champions and eventual winners USA in France
England qualified for the World Cup final with a 3-1 win over Australia
Lucy Bronze (right) was ever present for the Lionesses, taking the lead as the squad progressed
Sunday’s final against a Spanish team featuring several of their Barcelona team-mates offers the chance to complete an amazing European Championship and World Cup doubles match for many on the team.
And that has special meaning for the 31-year-old, who has witnessed the remarkable transformation of the Lionesses under boss Sarina Wiegman.
“In 2015, it was heartbreaking by how it happened.” she told the Mirrorrecalling Laura Bassett’s vicious own goal that saw England knocked out by Japan.
“I don’t think a team has been defeated in the last minute by an accidental own goal. And for me, 2019 was heartbreak because it had been my best year in the game.
“Everything seemed to be going my way and then the semi-final hit me like a ton of bricks. So it feels like a relief.
“I said to Jess Carter and Beth England, ‘You have to think that England will just make it to the final. You have not been to Canada, France or the Netherlands for the Euro 2017.
‘Defeat after defeat in semi-finals. It’s a dream come true.’
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