Bronze's mettle has dragged Lionesses to the Euros final

The drive of England's oldest player at the tournament has put the team on the cusp of history

- Jamie Braidwood

Lucy Roberta Tough Bronze.

The clue is in the name, the second middle name, like the glue holding together an England team that prides itself on spirit and resilience.

Throughout Euro 2025, the oldest member of the squad has been its most relentless, and the source of much inspiration. “One of a kind,” says Sarina Wiegman. “A beast,” comments Ella Toone. “A freak,” adds Esme Morgan - the latter two very much intended as compliments. Bronze is where the Lionesses “get their grit and determination”, according to her 89-year-old gran back home in Northumberland.

The finest and perhaps defining player of her generation, it has been Bronze's seventh major tournament for England - and one where it has felt she has stepped into the role of living legend. Younger teammates are in awe of the leadership and passion, the drive and commitment to play back-to-back 120-minute games against Sweden and Italy.

The longevity, too. Bronze will soon be standing on her own in another respect: today's Euro 2025 final against Spain will be her 36th appearance at a major tournament, overtaking Jill Scott to hold the record for the most as an England player.