At this point, the Lionesses making history is almost expected. But England’s equally remarkable and chaotic Euro 2025 quarter-final against Sweden proved, once again, why we keep watching.
Down 2–0 past half time and hopes of making the semi-finals fading fast, England pulled off the unthinkable: Lucy Bronze kickstarted the comeback in the 79th minute, Michelle Agyemang equalised with the composure that truly belies belief, and Chloe Kelly, barely having hit the pitch, set up both goals. Hannah Hampton’s nerves of steal were widely and rightly applauded, while captain Leah Williamson’s ankle injury struck fear in the hearts of many. Still, play continued. The game rolled into a wild shootout: 14 penalties, 9 misses, blood on the pitch, and Bronze sealing the win with a rocket-speed finish. (The third fastest goal of the tournament, according to BBC Sport.)
But one moment stood apart. While goalkeeper Hannah Hampton was being treated for a bloody nose, Bronze, tight-thighed but otherwise unfazed, strapped up her own thigh, completely solo. (She later removed the fastening to secure that penalty shot.)
@england BATTLING ALL OVER THE PITCH. 🥵 #england #lionesses #weuro2025 #SwedenvsEngland ♬ son original – The Art Of Defending
In many ways, it was reminiscent of Chloe Kelly’s iconic sports bra moment after scoring England’s winning goal in the 2022 Euro tournament against Germany. A seemingly small act, strapping a thigh or swinging a top in the air, maybe. But symbolically? Huge. Where Kelly’s triumphant moment spoke of liberation, Bronze’s self-sufficiency spoke of deep determination and leadership.
Bronze, now in her seventh major tournament, represents the evolution of England from underdogs to champions. She’s gritty, unfiltered and has the hardware (138 England caps, Euro 2022 glory, and Champions League titles with Lyon, Barcelona and Chelsea) to back it up.
“Lucy Bronze is just one of a kind,” coach Sarina Wiegman said in a post-match interview. “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 and her mentality, and how she did that penalty and the goal, at the far post, 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.”
Wiegman is right. Bronze has long used her platform for more than football. She’s launched scholarships, advocates for equality, and represents players’ unions, while showing younger players what longevity, leadership and sheer determination look like. But in a sport increasingly defined by spectacle, it was that stripped-back moment of tape, sweat and self-reliance that said the most. No fuss. No drama. Just a player doing what needed to be done. Then going out and winning. And that, ladies, is what women’s football is all about.
While you’re here, why not check out how the Lionesses are serving up mani mantras next.
