Bronze: ‘We don’t do things the easy way’

England’s Lucy Bronze spoke after yet another breathless knockout clash at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 after the Lionesses beat Italy to reach the final.

The Lionesses left it late against Italy as Michelle Agyemang hit an injury-time equaliser before Chloe Kelly won it for Sarina Wiegman’s side in extra time.

And Bronze, who played the full 120 minutes, admitted that although they had to overcome some obstacles en route to a third consecutive appearance in a final at a major tournament – a ‘crazy’ achievement in the defender’s words – the reigning champions’ never-say-die attitude shone through.

“We don’t do things the easy way, it seems this tournament, but we find a way to win, whether that is I think it was the 96th minute and then the 118th minute, we just found a way to get the goals and get the ball in the back of the net,” reflected Bronze.

“Obviously we showed it in the last game and then Italy played a good game in the first half. We probably weren’t at our best, but we showed a lot of resilience and fight to get back into the game like we have done in so many games this tournament.

“I think the fight, the talent, everything, the hard work we have in this England team is unbelievable and to get to back to European finals is not an easy feat, not many teams have done that.”

Although the contest didn’t get off to the ideal start for England, they eventually found a way back, as Bronze assessed the performance.

“I think we looked a little bit lethargic once we got going and then obviously, they got a goal and I think being 1-0 down in a semi-final isn’t easy mentally to take when you know that we could have scored maybe, and we were probably on top for parts of the first half,” continued Bronze.

“But once we settled into the game, even in extra time you saw us possess the ball and start to create chances.”

The veteran defender also praised the impact of England’s substitutes as goalscoring duo Agyemang and Kelly came off the bench to make an impact and play a crucial part in the Lionesses’ progression.

“I think you’ve seen it is so many tournaments with England now, how the subs make such an impact,” said Bronze. “We talk about the importance of the squad and the importance of the team and everyone being ready.

A third consecutive final at a major tournament.

Our Lionesses ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ckWBRr95GG

— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 22, 2025

“I know we don’t make many changes to the starting XI, but I think the people who come on make a massive difference.

“They are fresh legs, they add enthusiasm, tenaciousness, and they are the ones who are getting us goals and getting us to the final.”

Germany and England go head-to-head tomorrow night in the second semi-final match-up when England will discover who they will face on Sunday in the final but regardless, Bronze is expecting a tough test.

“They are both fantastic teams, they have both played unbelievable,” explained Bronze.

“Germany the fight they have shown in their last two games, and obviously Spain play fantastic football. It is either a rematch of the World Cup final or the EUROs football, so either way it is going to be a fantastic game tomorrow and an amazing final.”